Jessica Pegula ends Sakkari’s run to reach the Tokyo final
Jessica Pegula won against Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-3 and will play No 8 seed Veronika Kudermetova for the title
Zuma / Panoramic
American Jessica Pegula, the second seed, moved into the final of the Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis Tournament by defeating Greek Maria Sakkari, the No 4 seed, 6-2, 6-3.
It was an excellent performance from the American, who hit an impressive 21 winners while showcasing her supreme doubles skills at the net to stifle the in-form Sakkari.
Off the back of an impressive and significant seven-match winning streak, the Greek found herself out of sorts against a high-calibre opponent. Having recently won her first ever 1000-level tournament at Guadalajara last month – and a first title in four years – Sakkari may find this pill a little easier to swallow than other losses.
Pegula, meanwhile, was good value for her win. The World No 4 will face eighth seed Veronika Kudermetova on Sunday for the title.
The American won against Spaniard Cristina Bucsa (6-1, 6-2) and Russian Daria Kasatkina, the No 6 seed (6-1, 6-0) earlier in the tournament.
In the previous rounds, Sakkari, ranked No 6, won against Japanese qualifier Misaki Doi (6-3, 6-1) and Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia, the No 5 seed (6-2, 6-2).
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