Sakkari: “The agreement with my grandmother brought me to the Finals”

Maria Sakkari, after qualifying for the semi-final phase of the WTA Finals, revealed her motivation.

The Greek tennis player defeated Arina Sambalenka with 2-0 sets and effectively “locked” her presence in the semi-final phase of the WTA Finals. After the end of the match, Maria Sakkari revealed to the world the motivation she had for being in Texas.

The 27-year-old tennis player specifically stated that, “In the summer we made an agreement with my grandmother. I wasn’t doing so well then, I was close to the Finals, but it wasn’t sure that I would qualify. Then he told me: “I don’t care where the tournament is, if it’s in Australia or the United States, I don’t care, I’ll come!”.

It was the best gift for her I got I qualified last week. It’s really nice to have her here and of course my whole family, my team, my agent, my partner, it’s amazing.

I feel great. Arina is never easy to play, she is probably the hardest hitting player on tour. It’s been in the Top 10 for a few years now and that’s a great achievement. I respect her a lot and I know it’s mutual. I was very brave today, I had to stay on her pace, I think I did well with that. I am happy that I was able to do it in both sets and I have the ticket for the semi-finals in my hands.

I was helped by this stat I saw last week, that I saved so many break points this year. So when I face a break point I think I’ve done it so many times, I can do it again. I have confidence in myself, I have confidence in my serve and my hitting, especially this week. I feel good, I’m confident, I’m finding my form again and I feel amazing.”