Krejcikova regains her smile in Athens: "I hadn't felt something like this in a long time"

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Barbora Krejcikova conquered the WTA 250 in Athens after defeating Maria Sakkari in two sets, but her ninth WTA title was marked both by the victory and by her words towards the Greek player. "It has been a huge privilege to be here with you at such a historic moment for you," stated the Czech during the trophy ceremony.

Krejcikova prevailed yesterday in a final lasting 1 hour and 43 minutes to claim an individual title for the first time since Wimbledon 2024. The Czech, who also holds a perfect 4-0 record against Sakkari, had to overcome challenging situations in both sets to eventually impose her experience in the crucial moments.

Sakkari started better in both sets. In the first, she even led 4-1, but Krejcikova reacted, took the set to a tiebreak, and went ahead. In the second set, the Greek broke first to lead 2-1. However, the champion's response was resounding: she won five of the last six games and closed out the match to celebrate her ninth singles title.

Yet, Krejcikova wanted to also highlight the significance of the final for her opponent. "I think playing in front of your crowd is something very, very special, and I am very pleased and happy that you could experience it," explained during the trophy presentation. Her words encapsulated the exceptional nature of a week in which tennis returned to Athens for the first time since 1990.

Krejcikova's Emotions after Claiming the Champion's Title Two Years Later

The victory also held special meaning for Krejcikova. After a period marked by injuries, the Czech regained her best form and progressed to the title by overcoming Zheng Qinwen, Clara Tauson, and Sakkari, only dropping one set throughout the week. Her triumph will see her return to the 26th position in the WTA ranking. "It's something great, very special and incredible. It's a unique experience because I hadn't felt something like this in a long time. I'm very happy and I'm going to enjoy every moment now," confessed Krejcikova after the final.

The title reinforces Krejcikova's extraordinary career, which includes nine individual trophies, 20 doubles titles, 12 combined Grand Slam titles across different formats, and an Olympic gold. But in Athens, her victory had a different nuance.

Krejcikova not only won. She also understood the significance of that final for Sakkari. And instead of just celebrating her own victory, she wanted to acknowledge her rival's moment: "It has been a huge privilege to be here with you." The Czech left Athens with the trophy but also with the respect and affection of a city that had waited 36 years to once again enjoy the best tennis.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Krejcikova recupera la sonrisa en Atenas: “No había sentido algo así en mucho tiempo”