Retired Argentine tennis player Gabriela Sabatini was full of praise for Maria Sakkari, following the Greek star's title run at the Guadalajara Open Akron this past weekend.

The World No.6 defeated American Caroline Dolehide 7-5 6-3 to capture her first second career WTA title, and first title in over four years.

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Sakkari thanks Sabatini in speech, prompting a heartfelt response from the Argentine

Following her victory, Sakkari expressed her gratitude to Sabatini for attending the match. Furthermore, she recalled the retired Argentine's matches with her mother, Angeliki Kanellopoulou, emphasizing how both she and her mother look up to the former World No.3.

"Gabi, thank you for being here today," said Sakkari during the speech. "I know you played with my mum. I know you were a lot better than her but she admires you a lot and you know she always spoke very highly about you. You're a person that she looked up to and I looked up to and thank you for being here. It was a pure inspiration having you courtside today."

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Sabatini took to social media soon after the matching, posting her thoughts alongside a reshared video of Sakkari receiving the trophy.

"Congrats @mariasakkari, big win! Hard work and persistence paid off 🙌🏻 So great to see your smile and love always. Thank you for your beautiful words ❤️#GDLOpenAKRON," Sabatini posted.

Gabriela Sabatini

@sabatinigabyok

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Congrats @mariasakkari , big win! Hard work and persistence paid off 🙌🏼 So great to see your smile and love always. Thank you for your beautiful words ❤️ #GDLOpenAKRON

wta

@WTA

A class act as always. Some words from the champ, @mariasakkari 🎤 #GDLOpenAKRON

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