Two players remain in singles title contention at the $50,000 Saguenay National Bank Challenger.
In Saturday’s first semifinal, Switzerland’s Amra Sadikovic came from behind to defeat sixth-seeded American Maria Sanchez 1-6, 7-6(2), 6-1 to advance to her second career Challenger final in Canada. In 2011, she was crowned champion of the Tevlin Challenger in Toronto after beating the likes of Eugenie Bouchard, Timea Babos and Gabriela Dabrowski.
“I was able to stay mentally tough and compete in all of the points even though I lost the first set easily and I think that was the difference in the match,” Sadikovic said after the win. “I was able to use my variety to my advantage.”
Sadikovic will play Jovana Jaksic of Serbia for the title on Sunday. Jaksic advanced to her second consecutive Sageunay final thanks to a 7-5, 7-5 victory over American qualifier Nadija Gilchrist. In 2014, she finished runner up to France’s Julie Coin. The crowd favourite is happy to have another shot at the title.
“I love Canada, the people are so supportive here. After the tournament last year, I was already looking forward to coming back and I am very excited to be in the final again,” Jaksic said after the match. “Tomorrow will be a different kind of challenge against Sadikovic and I will do everything to be ready for it”
The singles final will be played on Sunday at 12 p.m. E.T.
Sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the $50,000 Saguenay National Bank Challenger is being held until October 25.
To consult the draws and order of play, visit: http://nbarchives.wpengine.com/saguenay/tableaux-et-horaire/
