American sensation Sofia Kenin took on the impressive Greek Maria Sakkari in the quarterfinal of the WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2021. The Greek has reached this stage of the tournament without dropping a set as yet. The performance by the Greek in this entire tournament has been splendid.

She knocked out the top seed and 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 2-6 6-2 6-0. It was their 3rd meeting and Sakkari had not won before this quarterfinal match. Maria Sakkari will now meet Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-final. 

Set-1: Sofia Kenin Hands Maria Sakkari Her First Set Loss of the Tournament

America’s Sofia Kenin held her serve well in the opening stages of the match. She capitalized on Sakkari’s weak service games in the initial stage. The Greek managed to only register 40% of her first serves which proved costly for the Greek.

Although Maria Sakkari got a break back, she failed to save the 3 break points she handed her opponent. Kenin eventually sealed the first set 6-2.

Set-2: Maria Sakkari Fights Back to Take the Second Set

In a turn of events, Sakkari lifted her spirit and started to serve well. She ended the set with 4 aces. The Greek saved 3 breakpoints and converted 2 out of the 6 she received. She won 11 out of her 16 first-serve points against Kenin’s 14 out of 28. 

Sakkari continued her impressive run at this year’s tournament. The 34 points she won in the set against her opponents 25 points surely proved costly. 

Set-3: Maria Sakkari Hands the Bagel to Seal the Match

After winning the second set, Sakkari was at ease. Kenin was clearly feeling the pressure and failed to win 30% of her first-serve points, which did prove costly. 

She dominated her way through the third set and sealed it with a 6-0 win, giving her opponent absolutely no remorse. Sakkari won the last 10 games in a row, clearly indicating her dominance.

Also Read: Maria Sakkari Outclasses Garbine Muguruza to Reach Quarterfinals at WTA Abu Dhabi 2021