Iga Swiatek and Maria Sakkari will face off on Sunday for the Indian Wells Masters title for the second time in three years with the Pole hoping for a repeat of her winning history.
The world No. 1 captured the trophy honours in 2022 as she beat the Greek whose recent change of coaches has helped her along at the first Masters event of the season.
Top seed Swiatek notored to a 6-1, 6-2 thrashing of Marta Kostyuk which Sakkari had to battle for three sets to subdue US Open champion Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-2.
The pair have played five times, with Sakkari claiming the first three while her opponent lifted the next two – including the Indian Wells meeting two years ago.
“It’s actually pretty crazy that the last time we played was two years ago,” the ninth-ranked Sakkari said. “We were very different (then), that’s when her (win) streak started
“Having that lead (in the head-to-head) doesn’t really mean anything; she’s the best player right now in the world.
“I’m just going to try and keep that lead and stay two wins ahead of her, but it’s just going to be very, very tricky.”
The Greek is also pleased with her own recent progress on court: “A month ago I couldn’t hit a ball over the net, and now I’m just here in one of the biggest tournaments playing another final.
“I’m just very happy that this has been the week that things have started changing, I told myself that I want to stay here as long as I can, and here we are, staying until Sunday.”
World No. 1 Swiatek will be hunting her third title of the season after the United Cup for Poland and the Doha 1000 last month.
“I wouldn’t say those thoughts (of a second title here) don’t come up, but the main question is what are you going to do about them?
“Are you going to really focus on it or you’re really going to take it step by step and remember that you still have work to do.
“I’m pretty good at doing this second thing.”
Swiatek called her defeat of Kostyuk “the cleanest match I played here.
“The focus level was high throughout the whole match and I didn’t have any doubts. so I’m happy with the performance.”
Swiatek ets to the final with the loss of just 17 games, fewest in 23 years with just under five and a half hours spent on court.
