Guadalajara Open 2023: Maria Sakkari vs Caroline Garcia preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (2) Maria Sakkari vs (3) Caroline Garcia
Date: September 23, 2023
Tournament: Guadalajara Open 2023
Round: Semifinal
Venue: Panamerican Tennis Center, Guadalajara, Mexico
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Hardcourt
Prize money: $2,788,468
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK – Amazon Prime Video
Maria Sakkari vs Caroline Garcia preview
Second seed Maria Sakkari will take on third seed Caroline Garcia in the semifinals of the Guadalajara Open on Saturday.
The Greek player has had a promising season so far, chalking up 32 wins from 51 matches and a runner-up finish at the Citi Open. She also reached the semifinals in Linz, Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Berlin and most recently in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The 28-year-old entered the Guadalajara Open on the back of a quarterfinal finish at the San Diego Open. She began her campaign cruising past Storm Sanders in the first round and then outfoxed the likes of Camila Giorgi and Emiliana Arango en route to the last four. Sakkari overpowered the Colombian Arango in one hour and 23 minutes 6-3, 6-4.
On the other hand, Caroline Garcia has secured 35 wins from 56 matches and runner-up finishes at the Lyon Open and the Monterrey Open. She also reached the fourth round at the Australian Open.
The French player entered Guadalajara on the back of a quarterfinal finish at the San Diego Open. She began her campaign with a hard-fought win over Aliaksandra Sasnovich and then defeated the likes of Hailey Baptiste and Victoria Azarenka en route to the semifinals. Garcia outclassed the Belarusian veteran Azarenka in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.
Maria Sakkari vs Caroline Garcia head-to-head
Garcia leads the head-to-head battle against Sakkari 3-1. However, the Greek player outlasted Garcia in their most recent encounter at the Qatar Open.
Maria Sakkari vs Caroline Garcia odds
All odds are sourced by BetMGM.
Maria Sakkari vs Caroline Garcia prediction
The semifinal clash between second seed Maria Sakkari and third seed Caroline Garcia promises to be a tightly fought battle. Both players have had a solid season and will be looking to book their place in the final of the Guadalajara Open.
Sakkari enters the match with a 29-15 win-loss record for the season. The Greek's solid baseline game and ability to defend from the back of the court have served her well. She uses her powerful groundstrokes to wear down opponents and hits with depth and consistency. Sakkari's fitness and court coverage also allows her to chase down shots all around the court.
However, she faces a tough test in the form of Garcia. The Frenchwoman has found tremendous form in Guadalajara after a disappointing campaign at the US Open. She brings an aggressive game to the court, looking to finish points early with her precise serving and accurate groundstrokes. Garcia is one of the best returners in the game and can generate a lot of pace in her shots.
If Sakkari can withstand Garcia's power and draw out rallies, she has a chance of tiring out the Frenchwoman. But Garcia's confidence must be high after a brilliant start in Guadalajara. She seems to have all facets of her game clicking right now.
Sakkari will be the slight favorite entering the match and will be determined to stake her claim for the title but Garcia's superior firepower and momentum may just carry her over the line. The French player's ability to end points quickly could be the difference.
Pick: Garcia to win in three sets.