Maria Sakkari after beating Misaki Doi in the last match of her career: “I don’t want to talk about me today. It was an honor to play against Misaki in her last ever match. You deserve to enjoy life. You deserve to enjoy yourself, have some fun. We know how tough tennis life is.…
(VIDEO) "You’re a wonderful person": Sakkari has kind words for Misaki Doi after Japanese player's final match
WTAThursday, 28 September 2023 at 19:30
Maria Sakkari had kind words for her opponent Misaki Doi after the latter played the final match of her career against the World No. 6 at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.
32-year-old Doi had previously announced that she planned to retire after the WTA 500 tournament due to a back injury. The home player and World No. 331 got the chance to enjoy her last event though, as she defeated World No. 49 Petra Martic in the opening round to set up a clash with Sakkari.
The Greek player was competing here immediately after her victory at the Guadalajara Open in Mexico, which was her first-ever WTA 1000 title. As a result, she received a performance bye in the opening round, meaning Doi was her first opponent at the Ariake Coliseum.
Sakkari praises Doi as a player and a person
Sakkari won the match reasonably comfortably in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1. However, it was clearly about more than results, as Sakkari made clear in her on-court interview. The 28-year-old said it was "an honor" to play against Doi in the last match of her career and wished her well for the future.
"I don’t want to talk about me today. It was an honor to play against Misaki in her last ever match. You deserve to enjoy life. You deserve to enjoy yourself, have some fun. We know how tough tennis life is. Take some time. I’m sure you’ll find a way to find something special again in your life. It was an honor to play you. You had an amazing career, so congrats," she said.
Prior to this, Sakkari had shared a hug and some heartfelt words with Doi at the net as they shook hands following her win.
"You’re an amazing player. You’re a wonderful person. What an honor," she told her opponent.
Doi turned professional in 2006 and won three WTA titles, one in singles at the 2015 Luxembourg Open and two in doubles.
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