WATCH: “I hope back in Greece they’re not p*****d at me,” Maria Sakkari wins over the Mexican crowd by wearing their national team jersey as she reaches the semis in Guadalajara Open 

Maria Sakkari reached the semifinals of the WTA 1000 event.

WATCH: “I hope back in Greece they’re not p*****d at me,” Maria Sakkari wins over the Mexican crowd by wearing their national team jersey as she reaches the semis in Guadalajara Open 

Maria Sakkari sports Mexican football team's jersey after her win at Guadalajara Open (Images via X)

Greek tennis ace Maria Sakkari not only won her quarterfinal match at the WTA Guadalajara Open against Emiliana Arango but also won over the Mexican crowd as she sported the national team’s football jersey. Sakkari, who eased past Arango in two sets, sported the jersey during her on-court interview and then indirectly apologized to her fans back home.

It is worth mentioning that Sakkari has always been loved in Mexico, and her gesture to sport the national jersey has further strengthened the bond. The Greek had also promised to support Mexico at the FIFA World Cup when she was in Guadalajara last time around. 

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Now, after Sakkari won her match and sailed into the semifinals of the WTA 1000 event, she came out for the on-court interview wearing the football team’s away jersey with her name printed on the back. The crowd gave her a big cheer in return. She also called Mexico her home away from home. 

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“I really love both of them (home and away jerseys). I just feel really nice wearing them. I hope back in Greece, they’re not pi***d at me. We are in different continents. It’s my home for South America is here and my home for Greece and rest of the world is back home,” said the Greek. 

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Can Maria Sakkari win her first singles title in Mexico?

After winning over the crowd, not just with her gesture but gameplay, Maria Sakkari hopes to convert this performance into a title. The Greek has not won any singles title so far this season and doing it in Mexico, at her home away from home, would be befitting for Sakkari. The Greek reached the finals last time too but lost to Jessica Pegula in the ultimate showdown.

Maria Sakkari Guadalajara Open
Maria Sakkari (Image via Tennis.com)

Nevertheless, the path looks clear for Sakkari this year as she prepares to face Caroline Garcia in the semifinal. Although Garcia leads the head-to-head between them 3-1, the Greek will bank on her form this year and will take inspiration from her win over the French ace at the Doha Open in February. Sakkari had toppled Garcia in three sets of 6-2, 6-7, 7-6.

If she manages to go past her French opponent, Maria Sakkari might face one of Sofia Kenin and Caroline Dolehide in the summit clash. It is to be seen if the second seed at the Guadalajara Open manages to eventually lift the title or if it will elude her one more time.

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