“You made me love tennis even more”: Maria Sakkari breaks down in tears after Athens final loss
WTAMonday, 20 July 2026 at 11:20
Maria Sakkari thanked the Athens crowd after reaching the final of the WTA 250 event, saying the week had given her emotions she never expected as women’s tennis returned to Greece after 35 years.
Maria Sakkari admitted she never imagined experiencing a moment like this in Athens after the Greek star delivered an emotional finalist speech following her defeat to Barbora Krejcikova in the Athens Open final.
Sakkari reached her 11th career final and her first since Indian Wells 2024 after a dominant run at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Athens Open, becoming the first Greek player to contest a WTA final in Athens in more than three decades.
She arrived at the championship match without dropping a set, defeating Polina Kudermetova, Harriet Dart, Alycia Parks and Alina Korneeva along the way. The 30-year-old was ultimately denied a third career title by former World No. 2 Barbora Krejcikova, who secured a hard-fought victory in the Greek capital.
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“You made me love tennis even more”: Sakkari’s emotional Athens tribute
The week represented a significant milestone for Sakkari, who shared the court with the support of her family and a home crowd that followed every moment of her historic run. After the match, Sakkari struggled to contain her emotions as she addressed the fans, her team and her family during the trophy ceremony.
Sakkari opened her speech by reflecting on the atmosphere created by the Greek fans and how unexpected the moment was for her after years of representing her country on the WTA Tour.
Maria Sakkari played in the 11th final of her career, although she has only won two titles so far.
“You made me love tennis even more this week," the former world no. 3 said. "I never expected that in this stadium, where I used to watch Lena before, that I would one day fight for our country, play in a tournament like this, and that you would offer me all these emotions this week. I really never expected it.”
The Greek star also paid tribute to her coaching team, highlighting the role they played in building her career and helping her remain competitive at the highest level. “You made me a player. You made this career possible. Thank you for believing in me like no one else.”
Sakkari gave special recognition to her longtime team members, including Giorgos, who she credited for helping her become a stronger athlete and maintaining her physical condition throughout her career.
“Without you, for sure, I would not have managed to achieve all that I have achieved, to be healthy above all, because without my physical condition and your support every day, the phone calls, the tears, everything we have been through together, nothing would have been the same.”
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A special week for Greek tennis
Sakkari’s run came during a landmark week for Greek tennis, with the WTA Tour returning to Athens for the first time in 35 years. The former World No. 3 had previously reached the biggest stages of the sport, including the semifinals at Roland Garros and the US Open, but a home final carried a different significance.
During her speech, Sakkari turned toward her family and acknowledged the sacrifices they made throughout her journey. “Mom, Dad, my siblings… you have given me so much. You have made me the person I am. You have made me and my siblings very good children above all. Thank you for never leaving me my dreams.”
Although Krejcikova lifted the trophy, Sakkari left Athens with a renewed connection to the fans who supported her throughout the tournament. She also strengthened her position in the race for a US Open seeding spot, remaining close to securing her place among the seeds in New York.
The Greek star finished her speech by thanking the organizers and everyone involved in bringing women’s tennis back to Athens. “Georgia, thank you so much for bringing women’s tennis back to Greece… But above all, I would like to thank all of you who really made me enjoy the week.”
For Sakkari, the Athens Open final ended without a trophy, but it delivered one of the most meaningful moments of her career — a homecoming that reminded her why she continues to compete.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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mandoist10-07-2026 - "Like if it was hotter, I probably would have won, I'm not gonna lie." Geezus...mandoist08-07-2026
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