Maria Sakkari overcame Veronika Kudermetova 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 to reach the Guadalajara Open semifinals on Friday and grab the eighth and final spot at the year-ending WTA Finals.
Sakkari saved 14 of 15 break points on the night to outclass her determined opponent and will join Iga Swiatek, Ons Jabeur, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Caroline Garcia, Aryna Sabalenka and Daria Kasatkina at the season finale.
"Without fire you cannot win these matches," said Sakkari, whose victory denied her opponent a debut singles appearance at the tournament.
"Without heart, without courage, without going for it and being brave you cannot get these opportunities, you cannot win them.
