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.
claps 0visitors 174
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Renee Stubbs, stop the race baiting, you snow flake. Nothing badosa said was racist, and Paula, don't knee-jerk apologize for nothing.tennistim23-12-2024
- Rybakina is back!!
mandoist21-12-2024 - She sems to have a turbulent relationship with The Truth. Not even smartenough to make an excuse like "I severely twisted my ankle yesterday" -- then be seen shopping in some city next day while "recuperating"!mandoist21-12-2024
- Why do you even publish this TwatCaster's PATHETIC stunt for attention? There's plenty of reasons why imbeciles like him are 'talking' and people like Iga Swiatek are 'walking the walk'. Tennisuptodate should be above this tripe.mandoist16-12-2024
- If and when Political Correctness and gullible hearts over-rule BIOLOGY, the Human world begins its already seeming decline.mandoist15-12-2024
- The new generation has arrived and these guys need to do it with the left overs.
AceOfBase13-12-2024 - Every young, inexperiend CEO has "better" ideas (and friends to hire).mandoist12-12-2024
- What a load of nonsense. Emotional stress definitely didn’t cause her wrist or ankle injuries.Lyca10-12-2024
- Taylor Fritz 🎾 – the surprising third for many. 🎄 A great Christmas tree quiz question! 🎅✨MrAndreeva10-12-2024
- Simona Halep taking the axe out 🪓😮💨MrAndreeva08-12-2024
