Kontaveit Continues Incredible Run, Reaches Last 4 At WTA Finals; Muguruza Wins

Anett Kontaveit continued her sparkling second-half of 2021. The 25-year-old hammered Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 6-0 to reach the semifinals at the year-end WTA event in Guadalajara this afternoon.

The Estonian becomes the first player to reach the semifinal knockout stage. She’s assured of a top 2 finish in the Teotihuacan group.

“Of course, very thrilled to be in the semifinals,” Kontaveit said. “I thought I played a very good match. I think it was very important for me to be as consistent as possible. Took some time to get used to her serves. I felt like my game was getting better and better as the match went on.”

Kontaveit was 0-3 against the Czech, but she broke for the opener then rolled in the second behind a strong serving day finishing taking the last eight games of the matches.

“I think I wasn’t thinking about the fact that I was 3-0 down in previous matches,” she said. “I think every time you step on the court, you have a new opportunity. The previous matches don’t really matter. It’s a new day and you have to beat the player you’re playing against. That’s how I approach the match.

“I think it’s just really trusting my shots a little bit more, just going for it, but going for it with margins. I think that’s been very important, not to go for too much, but still stay aggressive and be in charge whenever possible. When it’s not possible, just stay in the rallies, be as consistent as possible.”

Kontaveit has now won 28 of her last 30 matches. Pliskova remains in the hunt for a semifinal berth herself. She will meet French champ Barbora Krejcikova on Sunday.

In the evening, Garbine Muguruza stayed alive coming from a set down to deny Krejcikova 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in this battle of French champion.

Tomorrow, Paula Badosa and Maria Sakkari will hope to book spots in a semifinal as the two collide.

In the evening, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka will try to stay in the event.

WTA FINALS SATURDAY SCHEDULE
Starting at 2 p.m.
[4] Maria SAKKARI (GRE) vs [7] Paula BADOSA (ESP)
[1] Barbora KREJCIKOVA (CZE) / Katerina SINIAKOVA (CZE) vs [3] HSIEH Su-Wei (TPE) / Elise MERTENS (BEL)

Not before 7.30 p.m.
[1] Aryna SABALENKA (BLR) vs [5] Iga SWIATEK (POL)
[6] Alexa GUARACHI (CHI) / Desirae KRAWCZYK (USA) vs [8] Sharon FICHMAN (CAN) / Giuliana OLMOS (MEX)

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