Jessica Pegula ends Sakkari’s run to reach the Tokyo final

American Jessica Pegula, the second seed, moved into the final of the Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis Tournament by defeating Greek Maria Sakkari, the No 4 seed, 6-2, 6-3.

It was an excellent performance from the American, who hit an impressive 21 winners while showcasing her supreme doubles skills at the net to stifle the in-form Sakkari.

Off the back of an impressive and significant seven-match winning streak, the Greek found herself out of sorts against a high-calibre opponent. Having recently won her first ever 1000-level tournament at Guadalajara last month – and a first title in four years – Sakkari may find this pill a little easier to swallow than other losses.

Pegula, meanwhile, was good value for her win. The World No 4 will face eighth seed Veronika Kudermetova on Sunday for the title.

The American won against Spaniard Cristina Bucsa (6-1, 6-2) and Russian Daria Kasatkina, the No 6 seed (6-1, 6-0) earlier in the tournament.

In the previous rounds, Sakkari, ranked No 6, won against Japanese qualifier Misaki Doi (6-3, 6-1) and Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia, the No 5 seed (6-2, 6-2).