By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday January 4, 2022
The inaugural United Cup has drawn mixed reviews from tennis fans, but it’s been pretty clear from the players who are participating in the event that it adds a special element to tennis competition, having men and women competing on the same team and representing their country in a season-opening event.
Maria Sakkari, the sixth-ranked player on the WTA Tour, has been relishing the opportunity of competing alongside her compatriot Stefanos Tsitsipas, and on Wednesday night in Perth, she clinched a spot in the semifinals with Tsitsipas by her side as the pair defeated Petra Martic and Borno Gojo in a deciding mixed doubles rubber.
Are players enjoying the United Cup? Let the video make its case:
“It's been an incredible week here,” Sakkari told the press. “I think what we witnessed today is gonna stay with us forever. Regardless how it goes, you know, if we win or if, you know, things don't go well, I think ]tonight] was incredible. But I believe in this team, so I think we are going to have more nights like that and like this one.”
Tsitsipas, who edged Borna Coric in a dramatic singles encounter to give Greece a 2-1 lead in the tie, had nothing but joy to express after his team advanced to set a match with Italy in the United Cup semifinals on Friday.
“Our team consists of belief, of desire, and patience,” she said. “I think that's what defines us the best. We are not rushing. We take our time. We execute our game plan individually but collectively at the same time as a team.
"We are strong individuals, each and every one of us, that has the capacity to provide to the team. I'm just happy with tonight's performance. I'm happy with what we have shown so far. I can't wait for more in the next couple of days."
Poland's Iga Swiatek has also been enjoying the inaugural co-ed event: “I think it’s better winning in a team than individually. I’m so happy that we did it together and team effort for sure paid off," she said on court after winning mixed with Hubert Hurkacz on Thursday in Brisbane.
Sakkari Enjoys Learning from the Top Men
Sakkari expressed the belief that United Cup can be a great inspiration and engine of growth for her. After her win over Petra Martic on Wednesday, she talked about how much she has enjoyed watching Tsitsipas compete against the top men during the week.
“Pure motivation,” she said. “For me being here, watching Stefanos playing against all these great players, like Grigor (Dimitrov) and David Goffin and today, Borna (Coric). I see them, I watch them, I learn from them – they are playing amazing, so I can improve by watching them, that’s a very positive thing about this event. I can learn from the guys. For me it’s a learning lesson.”