GUADALAJARA OPEN

September 19, 2023

Maria Sakkari

Press Conference

M. SAKKARI/S. Hunter

6-2, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Maria, congratulations on the win. Can you take us through the match.

MARIA SAKKARI: I think it was a very solid match. Obviously it was a little tricky in the second set. But at the same time it was good that I put myself in that situation and I overcame it. I'm very happy to be in the third round.

Q. You said this tournament feels like home to you. Can you talk about it?

MARIA SAKKARI: Well, it's what you can actually see and you can actually tell from the chemistry that I have with the fans and the people here. I don't know how and, you know, how it happened, but I just feel like, I just feel like I'm Mexican. That's how I feel.

It's amazing to feel that way. As I said on the court, I don't have a tournament back home in Greece, so it almost feels like a local tournament to me.

Q. You are one of the most loved players in the tournament. Did you expect this kind of love from the Mexican people?

MARIA SAKKARI: I first felt it last year when I had the good run. Obviously the year of the Finals was also, you know, they were very supportive, but the difference was last year. I just feel like, yeah, I didn't expect it, but at the same time, you know, I love it. I'm very grateful and thankful for that.

Q. That was a very good night for you. You feel so secure, and we all seen it. I want to know, how do you think about all the support from the Mexicans, but most important all the little girls that came to see you and get inspired by your tennis?

MARIA SAKKARI: Listen, you know, I just try to be myself and try to do the best I can on the court to, you know, as you said, inspire young girls, and not only girls, young kids and people around the world to do what they love, and especially tennis. But I just feel like it's unbelievable to step on the court and feel that buzz from everyone. The love of the people is just amazing. I just cannot describe it in any better way.

Q. The season is almost over, so my question is about next year. If you had to choose between winning your first Grand Slam or an Olympic gold medal, what would you choose?

MARIA SAKKARI: Why do you do that to me now? (Laughing). I come from Greece. The Olympic games started in Greece. A gold medal would mean the world to me, and just something unbelievable to bring back home, and just be able to, you know, do it either in singles or mixed doubles with Stefanos, it would be amazing.

Q. Congratulations for the win. I want to ask you just one question: You are one win away from the championship, so are you seeking revenge this year?

MARIA SAKKARI: Excuse me?

Q. Are you seeking for some revenge to win the championship this year, the tournament?

MARIA SAKKARI: I'm not one win away. I'm in the third round.

Q. No, no, not this year, like last year.

MARIA SAKKARI: Oh, last year.

Q. Yeah. So I'm asking if you feel like you need to win this, you're looking for revenge this year.

MARIA SAKKARI: Well, I wouldn't say I need to win it. I would love to win this tournament. It would be amazing if I can go all the way this year. I just don't see why not, you know. I played good the last couple of years, the conditions suit my game really well, and I just, you know, feel good here.

Q. Congratulations for the win. So it's obvious that you are the people's favorite in this city. How much, besides the love that you feel and the good vibes, it could become a little pressure, especially after a year where a lot of the top players like you withdraw from the tournament, and people like to see you go as far as it's possible in the tournament.

MARIA SAKKARI: For me, it's not pressure, it's just, you know, motivation to just stay here until Saturday. I just feel like that would be amazing. That would be something that I really want. I just want to keep, you know, feeling that energy and love from the people every single day.