Maria Sakkari silences critics, destroys Coco Gauff and will play Indian Wells final against Iga Swiatek

Maria Sakkari's brutal victory over Coco Gauff in the semifinals of Indian Wells confirms the rebirth of the talented Greek player in the American tournament. She will face world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the final.

Sakkari came out very strong from the start of the match and managed to take the first set by being more successful with the break chances she got against her rival. However, Gauff was not going to be surprised so easily and managed to force the third set after an incredible second set that was decided in the tie break. In the third and final set, the Greek was physically and mentally stronger and gave no options. She ended up winning by 6-4/6-7/6-2.

The key of the duel, as we said, was in the greater success of Sakkari in breaking (6 of 12 for her against a poor 3 of 14 for Gauff). The American did not serve well (55% of first serves and only 45% of second serves won). So it is very difficult to take a match against an opponent in a great form at this time as Maria Sakkari. This match was always going to be dictated in particular by the serve of Gauff with the American prone to errors and when this is the case, it proves to be a difficult hurdle to overcome. We will see if she is able to hurt a Swiatek who thrives on this surface.

But it is a first full effort with David Witt and a successful one at that. The American coach led Jessica Pegula to a first title in her first ever tournament with him back in 2019 and could do the same with superb Sakkari. Getting past Swiatek is easier said than done, but the Greek Spartan is nearly there by reaching the final and will now have her sights set on glory.