“Without heart, without courage, without just going for it and being brave” - Sakkari on difference making characteristics after superb win over Kudermetova to make WTA Finals

Maria Sakkari clinched a final spot at the WTA Finals after beating Kudermetova in a two-hour and 35 minutes match.

The Greek player was very happy about her win because it will allow her to play at the event for the second year in a row. It comes after weeks of poor results giving Sakkari a lot of doubt about her own capabilities. Speaking after the match, she underlined what made the difference:

“Without fire you cannot win these matches—without heart, without courage, without just going for it and being brave. You cannot get these opportunities, you cannot win them, you cannot do things like the one today.”

Speaking further she patted herself on the back for demonstrating her fighting spirit which has always been something she's proud of:

“My heart, my fighting spirit. These are the two things I’m mostly proud about. I mean, my tennis is there. Everyone here plays good. It’s just who’s catching a little bit more in the big moments, and I feel like today I just went for it. Obviously I saved those break points in the third set—those were the key, probably, for the match.”