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Semi-final chance for Siegemund in Stuttgart

NAfter an abrupt end to her round of 16 match, Laura Siegemund has the chance to reach the semi-finals for the first time since winning the title in 2017 at the tennis tournament in Stuttgart. The 34-year-old Swabian was leading in the round of 16 against world number five Maria Sakkari 6: 4, 3: 1 when the Greek gave up. “I was also very surprised now, and of course it’s a great pity,” said Siegemund, “but of course I’m still happy that I’m one lap further, even if it’s absolutely not how you want it to be.” According to the WTA, Sakkari was unable to continue the match due to stomach problems.

Unlike the German number one Angelique Kerber, who had to accept another disappointment in the first round on Wednesday, wildcard holder Siegemund secured the next sense of achievement. On Friday she meets the unseeded Russian Lyudmila Samsonowa in the round of the top eight, who surprisingly advanced against the Czech top player Karolina Pliskova.

Five years ago, Siegemund celebrated tournament success at the Porsche Grand Prix with an impressive winning streak. In 2016 she was also in the final against Kerber. “I’m five years older now. That actually says it all,” Siegemund answered with a smile in the interview on Center Court when asked how she felt compared to 2017: “I actually have a few more years under my belt, you can’t get around it. But I really had a lot of motivation during the injury period and I used that.” She worked a lot on fitness. “I think it shows,” she said.

The local hero started the tournament with low expectations. After the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, she had her knee operated on. She hadn’t won in singles in the main draw of a WTA tournament since last June – until she convinced on Wednesday in the first round in Stuttgart against Slovenian Tamara Zidansek, a semi-finalist of the French Open 2021. “I think when I play like that , there’s more,” said Metzinger on Wednesday.

Siegemund played variably against the 26-year-old from Athens and used the third set point in the changeable first round. In the second section, the Schwäbin prevented a deficit. After securing the break to make it 3-1, Sakkari went online for the early submission. “I thought I played well,” summed up Siegemund: “Like yesterday, I played very concentrated and had to up the ante against them.” in the world rankings from the top 200.

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