Maria Sakkari is enjoying a superb week in Mexico, and she pledged to support the country in the upcoming Fifa World Cup.
The Guadalajara Open has been a thoroughly enjoyable tournament so far. It began with a player party that featured high-profile players like Bianca Andreescu, Eugenie Bouchard, Sloane Stephens, and many others.
Another notable story from the tournament was Donna Vekic flying in a helicopter for her opening round match after playing in the San Diego Open final against Iga Swiatek in the final. The Croatian just about made it in time.
Maria Sakkari's success in Guadalajara has been notable because it allowed her to qualify for the upcoming WTA Finals in Forth Worth, Texas. She joins Coco Gauff, who became the youngest qualifier at the season-ending tournament since Maria Sharapova in 2004.
Sakkari reached the semifinal of the WTA 1000 tournament with victories against Marta Kostyuk, Danielle Collins, and Veronika Kudermetova. She has also developed a close connection with the Mexican fans.
After progressing to the semifinal, the Greek No. 1 said there is something special about the tournament and its people. Sakkari sees similarities in Mexican and Greek culture, using the outgoing public as an example.
"There is something special about this tournament, about the people, about how I feel about this place. I told my friends here, my Mexican friends, that I'll be supporting Mexico in the World Cup because Greece did not qualify. I'll support my second favourite country."
"I see all the restaurants being full every day. That reminds me a lot of Greece. No matter if it's Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, they like to go out. They like their music."
"You're outgoing. You like good food. You like the good life as we do, in a good way, of course. I mean, everything. You're very passionate like we are."
0 Comments