Player of the day: Sakkari stops Osaka in Miami quarters

After saving six match points against Jessica Pegula, Maria Sakkari had more gas in the tank against Miami Open's No. 2 seed, Naomi Osaka. The Greek No. 1 was relentless from start to finish, applied pressure on Osaka's serve and controlled majority of points to post a 6-0, 6-4 victory.

Heading into the match, Osaka was the clear favorite—fresh off winning her fourth major title and on a 23-match winning streak—but after 418 unbeaten days, it was the No. 23 seed Sakkari that would stop Osaka in dominating fashion. She drew the former world No. 1 into uncomfortably long rallies while staying focused on the task at hand to win in straight sets.

Sakkari's triumph narrows Osaka's lead in their head-to-head record to 3-2.

"I don't think tennis-wise it was, like, the best tennis I have ever played in my life," Sakkari told press. "I think I executed our strategy with Tom, you know, really well. I just did what I had to do. I'm not gonna tell you what!"

The world No. 25 is through to the semifinals for the first time at an 1000-level event, and she will be celebrating her upset win with a nice dinner and a game of Monopoly.

"For sure we are just going to enjoy it with my team and then back to work. That's our routine, every day," the 25-year-old told host Prakash Amritraj at the Tennis Channel's desk in Miami.

Sakkari will next face either Bianca Andreescu and Sara Sorribes Tormo for a spot in the Miami Open final.

QUICK FACTS:

3

The Miami Open marks her third semifinal of the season

57

Aces smashed this year

1

Claimed one WTA title at the 2019 Grand Prix de SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem in Rabat