Maria Sakkari dedicates her maiden WTA-1000 title to her late grandfather in an emotional tribute after winning in Guadalajara
Maria Sakkari wins her biggest achievement in Mexico.
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Maria Sakkari (Credits: WTA)
Maria Sakkari won the Guadalajara Open by defeating Caroline Dolehide with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-3 to clinch her first WTA-1000 title. The Greek player has ended her 4-year drought for a second WTA title.
Maria Sakkari had come up empty four times before in the six finals she reached. The ninth seed emerged victorious after her breakthrough victory in Rabat in 2019. In her post-match interview, she thanked her family. The 28-year-old expressed that she wished they were here with her. She said, “I want to dedicate this trophy to my grandfather, who passed away last year and my grandma who is home watching.”
She devoted her biggest accomplishment in her career to her grandfather, Dimitris Kanellopoulos, who passed away last summer. Dimitris Kanellopoulos was one of the greatest and oldest coaches in Greece.
Sakkari’s grandfather first began his tennis career in the men’s doubles category. He then participated in various other tournaments in mixed doubles as well. He also participated for his national team at the Davis Cup in 1964. The victory will mean the world to Sakkari’s family.
Maria Sakkari’s connection with Mexico
Mexico loves Maria Sakkari, and the feeling is mutual. She loved Mexico so much that she supported their team in the upcoming World Cup. Wold No. 9 felt something special about the tournament and the people there. “There is something special about this tournament—about the people, about how I feel about this place,” she said at the Akron Guadalajara Open.
She also pledged to support their country in the World Cup as their country, Greece, did not qualify for the last one. The Greek said it has become her “second most favorite” country. The Greek was also seen donning a Mexican jersey at the tournament.
Sakkari’s connection to Mexico began last fall when she advanced to the semifinals at Guadalajara in Mexico. Her vibrant style matched the crowd’s energy and, therefore, made her a fan favorite. She drew similarities with Greece and said, “You’re outgoing. You like good food. You like the good life as we do, in a good way, of course. I mean, everything. You’re very passionate, like we are.” Mexico has also proven lucky for her, as she won her biggest title there recently.
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Tanisha Kapoor
(160 Articles Published)