Maria Sakkari battled to a near-three hour victory over Aryna Sabalenka to reach the semi-finals at the WTA Finals.
The pair, ranked six and two in the world, were evenly matched over the first two sets to tee up a decider.
There, Sakkari was broken in two consecutive service games but hit back from 3-1 down to win five on the trot and take the match 6-7 (1-7) 7-6 (8-6) 6-3.
UNBELIEVABLE🌟
— wta (@WTA) November 16, 2021
🇬🇷 @mariasakkari fights her way into the semifinals after an incredible match. She defeats the world No.2 Sabalenka 7-6(1), 6-7(6), 6-3👏 #AKRONWTAFinals pic.twitter.com/byzs9mWErs
The Greek finished second in the Chichen Itza group, behind Paula Badosa who was defeated by Iga Swiatek in the dead rubber earlier on Monday.
Spain's Badosa was already guaranteed a semi-final clash against countrywoman Garbine Muguruza on Tuesday while Swiatek knew she was heading home after defeats by Sakkari and Sabalenka.
That left Badosa, on her 24th birthday, not wanting to expend too much energy, and that was apparent at times as Swiatek claimed a 7-5 6-4 victory.
The Pole, who won her maiden grand slam title at the French Open last year, battled hard to take the first set and then recovered from a break down in the second to finish her stay in Mexico on a positive note.
