Guadalajara Witnesses a Wave of Overwhelming Emotions as 28YO Greek WTA Star Dedicates Her Monumental Success to a Loved One She Lost

The 2023 Guadalajara Open brought many surprises and entertaining experiences for fans, and concluded with an emotional whirlwind. 28-year-old Maria Sakkari touched down to a crucial achievement of her career by lifting the women’s singles trophy at the Arkon Stadium. The stands echoed with loud cheers of encouragement as they congratulated the Greek. After four long years of waiting, the No.2 seed’s winning desires finally embraced a victory.

As everyone in the stadium congratulated the Greek on her victory with loud cheers, the spotlight didn’t just leave her at that. She dedicated her maiden WTA 1000 championship to a special family member in her post-victory speech, which was moving and interesting enough to capture the audience’s complete attention.

Maria Sakkari turns emotional during her victory speech

Maria Sakkari, a rising star on the WTA circuit, presented exceptional determination and skill throughout the Guadalajara Open 2023. The Greek struggled through a long way and time to lay hands on the trophy by defeating the 25-year-old American Caroline Dolehide. The Arkon Stadium experienced immense vibes of celebration and cheer as the No.2 seed got the title in her name.

But this wasn’t just the end of cheering as the victory speech she made was another catch to the spotlight. Unlikely what the fans usually expect, her words showed a glimpse of emotions as she dedicated the title to her grandfather who recently passed away.

As Sakkari stood up and faced the fans to utter her feelings about winning the title, her voice trembled with emotions. Missing her family’s presence in the arena, she mentioned, “I want to thank my family. I really wish they were here with me. I want to dedicate this trophy to my grandfather who passed away last year, & my grandma who is home watching.”

As the champion made the fans emotional with the victory and the speech, her name goes into a legendary record book for her nation.

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The first of the Greeks

Former world number 3 Maria Sakkari is the highest-ranked female tennis player so far. Being an emerging name in the overall women’s tennis rankings, she managed to add another record to her name after winning the Guadalajara Open 2023.

While her aspirations had to meet severe disappointment at the tournament last year, she accomplished her target to become the first Greek to lift a WTA 1000 trophy. This record-breaking victory was another reason for Maria to be happier and dedicate this big win to her late grandfather.

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