“It can’t get any better” Maria Sakkari expresses her delight of qualifying for the WTA Finals 2021 in front of her mother Angeliki Kanellopoulou
Follow Us
Maria Sakkari
World No. 6 Maria Sakkari has had one of the best seasons this year becoming the first Greek woman to reach the semi-finals of any Grand Slam event when she made it to the last-4 of the 2021 French Open and then reached the semis of the 2021 US Open as well. Maria also became the highest-ranked Greek woman in the Open Era when she became World No. 6 in November 2021.
Despite not winning any title this season, Maria reached the finals of the 2021 Ostrava Open while making it to the semi-finals of 6 other tournaments and has been one of the most consistent players across surfaces this season. These results helped the 26-year old qualify for the WTA Finals 2021, another feather in her cap.
Speaking at the WTA Finals Gala, Sakkari expressed her happiness on reaching the Year-End Championships with her mother Angeliki Kanellopoulou, former World No. 43, witnessing her rise in the sport. Despite the popular belief, Angeliki does not coach her daughter and but is present at her tournaments cheering for her.
“It’s great because I think it’s very important for a parent to see their kid being here. It can’t get any better, other than winning a Slam or an event like this one,” said Sakkari.
Maria Sakkari could become the first Greek woman to reach the finals at the Year-End Championships
Sakkari’s consistent form in the second half of the season despite no titles makes her a good favourite for the title this week in Mexico where the Finals will take place. If she is able to reach the finals, she will become the first Greek woman to reach the finals and will have her name in history if she is able to lift the trophy at the end of the week.
Maria will start her campaign against Polish No. 1 and World No. 9 Iga Swiatek in what will be their third career meeting on the Tour. The duo played twice this year, quarter-finals of the 2021 French Open followed by another meeting in the semi-finals of the 2021 Ostrava Open with Sakkari winning both the matches in straight-sets against the former French Open champion.
Stay Updated!
Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)