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Coco Gauff’s incredible dominance on US hardcourts was snapped by Maria Sakkari in the Indian Wells semifinals on Friday (March 15).
The reigning US Open champion and Sakkari squared off for the eighth time on tour, with the latter enjoying a 4-3 head-to-head record against Gauff. Sakkari was off to a strong start.
After breaking Coco Gauff in the ninth game, she consolidated the break to clinch the opener 6-4. Despite rain playing spoilsport, Sakkari banked on her momentum to secure two breaks following the resumption.
Gauff, though, fought back. With the Greek serving for a place in the final at 5-2, Gauff broke twice to make it 5-5. The American also fended off three match points in the tenth game before taking the second set 7-6 (5) to force a decider.
Maria Sakkari had a poor start to the third set, losing her opening service game. However, the Greek recovered quickly, breaking her 20-year-old opponent twice, to establish another 5-2 lead. She broke Gauff again to cross the finish line.
The defeat marked Coco Gauff’s first loss in the United States since her 2023 Miami Open exit. The American was on a remarkable 20-match winning streak, which started with beating Sakkari in the 2023 Citi Open final to clinch the title.
The youngster then went on to win the WTA 1000 Cincinnati event before lifting her maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open.
Maria Sakkari sets up clash with Iga Swiatek for Indian Wells 2024 title after beating Coco Gauff
Following her victory over Coco Gauff at Indian Wells, Maria Sakkari has set up a a a repeat of the 2022 final against Iga Swiatek, which is also the duo's most recent clash.
In the 2022 showdown, Swiatek beat the former World No. 3 in straight sets to clinch her third WTA 1000 title. However, it's worth noting that while Iga Swiatek crushed Sakkari in their previous clash, the Greek enjoys a 3-2 lead in their head-to-head.
The reigning Guadalajara champion will look to cash in on her experience against the World No. 1 as she vies for a second WTA 1000 trophy on Sunday, March 17.
