Maria Sakkari ‘overcomes’ final demons to triumph in Guadalajara
Maria Sakkari put an end to her recent troubles and became the first player from Greece to win a WTA 1000 title after her victory in Guadalajara.
Sakkari defeated world No. 111 Caroline Dolehide, this week’s surprise package, 7-5, 6-3 in a final that lasted one hour and 45 minutes.
No. 9 in the WTA rankings, she has lost seven of her eight career finals and her only previous title came in Rabat in 2019.
Sakkari said after the match, “I can’t believe it, I’m speechless.” “Four and a half years after winning my first title, I was finally able to win my second one. All these thoughts that I always had were very difficult to overcome, but this week I’m very proud to have achieved that.
“I feel like I haven’t realized what I’ve done this week yet, so it’s going to take a little while. But at the same time, I’m really enjoying this moment today and tomorrow and I’m going to have more in the future. I just want to keep working hard because I’m sure that will happen.”
The 28-year-old added: “I would like to thank my coach Tom (Hill) who has worked with me for the past five years. Being one of the top five players with only one title under my belt. That was very difficult for me to overcome. I’m very happy to be here this week. ”
One of Greece’s last seven final losses actually came against Jessica Pegula at last year’s Guadalajara Open.
In his post-match speech, Sakkari talked about how he considers the Mexican city his “second home.” “I’m so happy to be a part of this group and to be able to celebrate here with you every year.” You. With all of you. This is my second home. thank you very much. ”
Sakkari hopes to return to Mexico in just over a month, when Cancun hosts the inaugural WTA Finals.
Sakkari, who won his second title in his career, moved to ninth place in the WTA race. She is currently just 308 points away from her highly rated 8th place, which is held by Jabbar.
Maria Sakkari and her run to a maiden WTA 1000 title
Sakkari did not drop a set all week in Guadalajara, becoming the first female player to accomplish this feat in a WTA 1000 tournament since Iga Swiatek in Miami last year.
Here is how she did it:
1st Round – Gets a bye as 2nd seed
Round 2 – Defeat Storm Hunter 6-2, 6-4
Round 3 – Camila Giorgi 6:2, won 6:2
Quarter-final – Defeated Emiliana Arango 6:3, 6:4
Semifinals – Defeat Caroline Garcia (3), 6-3, 6-0
Finale – Siege of Caroline Dollhide, 7-5, 6-3
a trophy, a sombrero and a happy Sakkari pic.twitter.com/Rffr30sqd0
– wta (@WTA) 24. 2023 年 9 月
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