Sakkari battles past top seed Sabalenka in late-night classic to reach 1st WTA Finals semifinal

In a win-or-go-home encounter that saw both ladies give it their all, Maria Sakkari was able to overcome top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the final group stage match of the WTA Finals, securing her place in the knockout phase.

The Greek star required an exhausting two hours and 47 minutes to battle past the World No.2, obtaining a 7-6(1) 6-7(6_ 6-3 victory in one of the longest matches of the season. With both ladies exchanging breaks in the first set, it came down to a tiebreak that saw Sakkari put her foot on the gas and capitalize on Sabalenka's dubious second serve to win the set.

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Nonetheless, the Belarusian was able to regain momentum in the second set, breaking Sakkari and earning the chance to serve out the set twice at 5-4 and 6-5. However, her Greek opponent fought back, leveling the score to reach a second tiebreak. After obtaining a minibreak to lead 4-2, Sakkari was unable to close out the match, faltering and allowing Sabalenka to escape with the second set.

The deciding set saw both ladies unable to hold serve, with Sabalenka committing an atrocious ten double faults. This, coupled with her opponent's consistent consistent play, allowed the Greek No.1 to obtain the crucial break, winning the final five games to prevail after just under three hours.

Sakkari will face Estonian Anett Kontaveit in the semifinal, with both ladies tied at two wins apiece in matches played against each other this year.