Sakkari survives Collins to reach quarterfinals in Guadalajara

Greek Star Maria Sakkari outlasted a game Danielle Collins on Thursday night at the Guadalajara Open Akron, booking her spot in the quarterfinals.

The fourth seed needed an exhausting two hours and 17 minutes to secure the 7-5 6-3 6-3 victory, rallying back from a see-saw first set that saw Collins build momentum.

However, the American was unable to overcome some poor serving in the second set. Collins hit four double faults and was broken on two occasions. Further, the Australian Open runner-up failed to capitalize on either of her two break point opportunities, allowing her Greek opponent to escape with the second and force a deciding set.

Collins was able to minimize her service errors in the decider, but it came at the expense of consistency. Alternatively, Sakkari rode her momentum from the second, not facing any break points as she earned the crucial break that saw her emerge victorious.

Sakkari will face eighth seed Veronika Kudermetova for a spot in the semifinals.