Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu won her third three-setter this week to set up the Mubadala Silicon Valley final against Maria Sakkari of Greece.
The fifth-seeded Buzarnescu got past fourth seed Elise Mertens 4-6 6-3 6-1 and will definitely climb to at least No.21 in the WTA rankings, while the title would give her the ticket for the Top 20, which was the 30-year-old’s goal since she was 14. Sakkari was down a set and a double break against Danielle Collins before she charged back to win 3-6 7-5 6-2.
Sakkari entered the semifinals without dropping a set, but she enjoyed playing a tough match to reach the final.
I think it’s part of my character and the way I grew up playing – I like drama. When things get tighter, I’m more used to it. It’s in my character, Spartan.
Sakkari and Buzarnescu haven’t faced each other so far and will both try to win their first WTA singles title.
