ZCZC
BSP-10
TENNIS-WTA-USA
Buzarnescu, Sakkari to battle for WTA San Jose title
LOS ANGELES, Aug 5, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Fifth-seeded Mihaela Buzarnescu will
be gunning for her first WTA title Sunday when she takes on Maria Sakkari in
the final at San Jose, California.
Romania’s Buzarnescu, ranked 24th in the world, rallied to beat fourth-
seeded Belgian Elise Mertens 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Mertens, the world number 15, took the first set despite heavy pressure on
her serve from Buzarnescu.
The two traded breaks to start the second before the Romanian won four
games in a row to take a 4-1 lead.
Heading into the third, Mertens’ level had clearly dropped. She called for
a trainer to treat her right forearm, but Buzarnescu won the last six games
to seal the win and avenge her loss to the Belian in the final at Hobart in
January.
Mertens had gone on to win titles at Rabat and Lugano this year,but was
vying to reach the first Premier level final of her career.
Greece’s Sakkari, ranked 49th in the world, will also be chasing a first
career title on Sunday.
She rallied from a set and two breaks down to beat American Danielle
Collins 3-6, 7-5, 6-2.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1127 hrs