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The Volvo Car Open is left without its defending champion as it saw Kiki Bertens exit the tournament on Thursday after a devastating straight-set loss. Bertens, who squandered an early lead in the beginning of the match, was stunned by Maria Sakkari, 7-6 (8), 6-3, in the round of 16.

Bertens, who was riding a seven-match winning streak on the green clay, took control of the match in the opening set, breaking Sakkari to race to 4-1.

"My coach came in. I think I was rushing too much until 4-1," Sakkari told Tennis Channel's Steve Weissman after the match. "You know, obviously playing her, just wanted to make good thoughts and good points not getting into the rally. But then he came in, he told me you have to stay in the rally. You have to be more patient. That's what I did. I think it worked out well."

That strategy did work. The 23-year-old Greek did exactly what her coach told her to do. She got into the rallies, going toe-to-toe with the No. 2 seed, finally taking the lead for the first time at 6-5. Bertens responded with an easily hold, forcing a tiebreak, where things got really interesting.

In the tiebreak, Sakkari retreated, letting the defending champion take control, falling behind 5-1. After summoning her inner strength, she claimed one mini-break back, but still down 5-4. Down 6-5 and facing a set point, Sakkari denied her opponent and seized the opportunity to take the first set after Bertens made a forehand error.

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After turning things around, the No. 15 seed broke in the first game of the second set but immediately donated it back after double-faulting at 30-40. She broke back again and this time was able to consolidate. Facing a breakpoint at 5-3, Sakkari fended it off, refusing to give back the break. This proved to be a crucial point as she was able to hold and then break Bertens at love in the next game to advance to the quarterfinals—her third career Top 10 win.

This should be a satisfying win for the 23-year-old, who reached her first quarterfinals since September, where she lost to Bertens in the Seoul semifinals. In fact, Sakkari hasn't been able to string wins together in a long time.

After her semifinals run in South Korea, she lost five consecutive opening rounds before reaching the Australian Open third round. She then followed that with another string of opening-round defeats, including Indian Wells, before reaching the Miami second round last month.

"it has been a long time since I won, you know, three matches in a row. I had been struggling, mentally of course. You know, it's not easy when you lose first rounds, two, three tournaments in a row. I'm trying to gain my confidence back. Obviously, these matches give me a lot, so I'm very happy and very excited."

Up next for the Greek is either Caroline Wozniacki or No.12 Mihaela Buzarnescu for a spot in the semifinals.