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- Serena Williams defeats Maria Sakkari 6: 3, 6: 7 (6: 8), 6: 3 at the US Open in New York. In the quarterfinals she meets the surprise woman Tsvetana Pironkova.
- Elise Mertens confidently prevails in two sets against Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin. Victoria Azarenka is now waiting.
Serena Williams (WTA 8) had a hard time against Greek rival Maria Sakkari (WTA 22). After Williams safely won the opening set 6: 3, Sakkari improved and demanded everything from the 23 Grand Slam winner.
Sakkari hit hard and made point by point with her backhand. Although the 25-year-old missed 2 set balls when the score was 6: 5, she ensured the balance of the set in the tie-break with 8: 6.
Williams demanded everything
Maria Sakkari.
Keystone
The start of the deciding set was not to Williams’ taste: Sakkari managed the counterattack to make it 2-0. Williams made hardly any mistakes after that, ran more balls and was able to keep rallies short. The reward was a rebreak and then the decisive breakthrough on serve to 5: 3, which was enough to advance to the next round.
Pironkova waits in the quarterfinals
Williams will face the still surprising Tsvetana Pironkova in the next round. The non-established Bulgarian won against Alizé Cornet (WTA 56) of France 6: 4, 6: 7 (5: 7), 6: 3 in just under 3 hours.
Mertens bodigt Kenin
Elise Mertens (WTA 18) also reached the quarterfinals. The Belgian, who reached the semifinals of the WTA tournament in New York, kicked out Sofia Kenin (WTA 4), winner of the 2020 Australian Open. Mertens won 6: 3, 6: 3 and now faces Victoria Azarenka (WTA 27), who beat Karolina Muchova (WTA 26) with 5: 7, 6: 1, 6: 4.
