Sakkari and Badosa will meet in the semi-final at Indian Wells

Sakkari and Badosa will meet in the semi-final at Indian Wells. 

As defeating Elena Rybakina 7-5 6-4, Maria Sakkari will meet Paula Badosa in an attractive Indian Wells semi-final on Friday, after the defending champion crushed Veronika Kudermetova 6-3 6-2.

Sakkari came back from a 4-1 deficit in the first set because of her Kazakh opponent’s 20 unforced errors. She took control of the match in the second set when she saved four breakpoints for a 2-0 lead.

Under beautiful skies in the Southern California desert, Sakkari sealed victory when Rybakina shanked a forehand on match point, advancing to her 20th career semi-final and third straight this year.

Sakkari told reporters, “I had a hard start.”

“I was a little apprehensive. But at that point, all I had was faith in my abilities. I knew I could get back into the battle if I could break her back. After falling behind 4-1, I made a lot of balls, which gave me a chance.”

MORE: Nadal wins against Kyrgios in a thriller match at Indian Wells.

As she acknowledged being in her first match on Stadium One, the 26-year-old has learned to be kind to herself when she gets frightened.

“I just try to have a pleasant conversation with myself,” she explained.

“In the past, I would be critical of myself. But now I’m a pretty pleasant person. I have a very nice and caring creature in my head and body.”

Sakkari’s next opponent will be Badosa of Spain, who won her first match over Russia’s Kudermetova in four career matches.

Badosa broke for a 3-1 lead early in the first set and held off a breakpoint to serve out the set.

To begin the second set, Badosa broke again, and Kudermetova could not improve her return game, losing the match when she failed to return Badosa’s serve up the T.

“I think this court is magical for me,” Badosa said after improving to 10-0 at Indian Wells in an on-court interview.

In November, Badosa defeated Sakkari in straight sets in Guadalajara, their only other encounter.

“Tomorrow will be a clash between two combatants,” Badosa said.

“I have a lot of respect for her, and I hope we’ll have a great match tomorrow.”

In the WTA 1000 tournament final, the victor will face either Simona Halep or Iga Swiatek.