Iga Swiatek sets up Maria Sakkari clash in maiden Indian Wells final after beating Simona Halep in straight sets

Iga Swiatek has extended her winning streak to ten matches after advancing to the Indian Wells final for the first time in her career with a 7-6(6) 6-4 win over Simona Halep. The Pole came from a break down in each set to win the match in one hour and 49 minutes to continue her fine form. Ad/> The 20-year-old will face Maria Sakkari in the final, after she beat defending champion Paula Badosa in three sets, aiming to win her fifth career title.

WTA Indian Wells‘My tennis is changing’ – Swiatek prepares for Indian Wells meeting with Halep17/03/2022 AT 09:27 "[The match against Halep] was the toughest one," Swiatek said after the match. «Even though I was losing the first set sometimes [earlier in the fortnight], I still felt like I had a little bit more control over how the match is going. »Today I had to come back from some breaks as well, so I think mentally it was the toughest one.

«Also coming back in that tie-breaker, it cost me a lot of energy, for sure… I think I would say it was the most exciting one probably, if I was watching it.» /> Tearful Sakkari overcomes Badosa to reach maiden Indian Wells final Rublev extends winning run to reach last four Halep squandered the opportunity to serve out for the set at 5-4 up in the opening set as Swiatek hit a forehand winner on break point to level the score. A tie-break quickly followed. Halep surged into a 6-4 lead but a Swiatek volley put her level at 6-6.