Krejcikova Ends Sakkari’s Title Hopes in Athens Final

Maria Sakkari’s bid for what would have been a majestic title on home soil ended at the last hurdle on Sunday, as Barbora Krejcikova defeated the Greek 7-6(5), 6-3 to claim the inaugural Vanda Pharmaceutical Athens Open title.

40 years after her mother Angeliki Kanellopoulou won the title in Athens, Sakkari battled toe to toe with the two-time major champion but was unable to come up with the goods on the biggest points.

Krejcikova converted all three break points she saw, rebounding from 4-1 down in the first before coming up clutch in the opening set tiebreak to take the lead. She battled from a break down in set two as well, claiming breaks for 2-2 and again for 5-3 before converting her first championship point in the next game.

The loss put an end to an emotional week for Sakkari. With a tour-level WTA event returning to Greece for the first time in 35 years, she received the full support of the Greek faithful.

They were respectful to Krejcikova as well.

The Czech used craft rather than power to win. She only managed nine winners to 23 for Sakkari, and she won 64 of 124 points to win in one hour and 43 minutes. 

Sakkari received a hearty round of applause after she addressed the crowed in Greek. After that Sakkari was in tears as she thanked her team. 

“We’ve been through so much,” Sakkari told her coach, Tom Hill. “You’ve made me a player and you’ve made this career possible. Thank you for believing in me.”

To Krejikova she said: “You’re an incredible champion. We grew up playing together from a very young age, to see you winning all these big titles and having an amazing career – it’s something I really admire.”

Krejcikova, who won her ninth career title and first since she raised the Venus Rosewater Dish at Wimbledon in 2024, paid respect to Sakkari and the Greek fans during the trophy ceremony.

“What a match, what a day, what a tournament,” Krejcikova said. “It’s been huge privilege to be with you here today, for such an historic moment for you. Playing in front of the home crowd is something very special – I’m pleased and happy you could experience it.”