Maria Sakkari Press Conference | 2021 US Open Semifinal

[@malky101]

Maria comes across so well, I'm an Emma fan, but you can't help but root for Maria too. She works so hard and is so self-aware. Well done Maria, you are a top top player and a top top person

[@robindunford]

If she had been playing anyone else i would have been rooting for her.

[@ivysky7279]

Emma's backhand surprised me. So cool.

[@markblow1966]

The problem for Maria is both the French and US Open were her best chances of getting to a grand slam final, and she failed both times. There’s no guarantee she’ll be getting to more grand slam semis from next season onwards.

[@markblow1966]

@@MrGenexxx Well, if Osaka has sorted her issues out by then, don’t bet on it. Both Raducanu and Fernandes will have had an extra full year on the tour as well. Halep should have overcome her injuries, so If you were looking for a winner of any upcoming Grand Slam, Sakkari would not be in the top 10 of contenders.

[@jojijosette5946]

I was rooting for emma... but hearing Sakkari speak now, i just wanna cry, i feel so sad for her, she is a gracious lady. I wish her the best in the future.

[@gallopingnuns6732]

If each of Raducanu's opponents feel that they failed to bring their best to the court, you have to start looking for commonalities. And the only common thread here is Raducanu herself. Sakkari may not recognize it now, but her opponent prevented her from delivering her best performance. Raducanu may not hit the hardest ball, but it is her variety, depth and on-court IQ that are making the difference.

[@NoOne-le2jv]

Raducanu does hit the ball hard though. She plays like Federer. Both of them have amazing footwork which means they get their body into the right position to hit the ball and don't have to compromise.

[@gallopingnuns6732]

@@NoOne-le2jv Quite right. I certainly wasn't meaning to imply that she hits a soft ball.

[@julieking77]

Absolutely spot on in your comment! Emma doesn’t allow opponents to play their game FACT!

[@NoOne-le2jv]

@@grantmalone Serena Williams has played like that for 20 years, with her aggressive style forcing her opponents to crumble before they've even stepped on court, and people laud her for her play. Raducanu seems to have an unreal amount of self belief & confidence in her shots. Let's hope her US Open win adds to this confidence.

[@gallopingnuns6732]

@@grantmalone My hope for Raducanu is that she will continue this 'free-swinging', low pressure play - given that she has the Slam title, which Sakkari et al are lacking. Obviously, Wimbledon is and forever will be the exception, with its unrelenting, manufactured pressure and attention. Now we just need Fernandez to win her first, and a rivalry for the ages is born!

[@Ogi807]

The young girls are not overthinking just playing their best tennis. Which is such a huge contrast to the older players that bring on so much pressure and keep getting in their head. How growing up changes us. Always stay lucid, always stay fearless

[@timsmith2279]

Something odd with her body language, wonder if she allowed Emma to win ?

[@assej565]

Well said

[@bryanchee4542]

yep when you’re the underdog you play fearless tennis (swiatek in RG 2020) but when you’re seeded and expected to win the pressure overwhelms

[@jackdearden9451]

And as an older guy speaking, my heart goes out to those who have to face these baby-faced assassins. Bruce Lee: " The Art of Fighting, without Fighting. "

[@bukeaor2961]

For a while I knew Sakkari had this and not sure what happened to her ! I just cannot put my finger on it ! Great run ! Well next time you know what needs to be done ! This was close 😀!

[@gerardobaltodano]

She doesn't admit it, but Raducanu was the main reason why she didn't play her best tennis. Raducanu didn't let her.

[@englandcalling9721]

Her composure is to be respected. I get the feeling all she wanted was a hug.

[@davidevans3227]

agree.. and maybe a cry..

[@stevefowler3398]

I would be delighted to oblige.....

[@russelltyson7463]

They all want hugs when they lose. They all go back to their rooms and cry themselves to sleep. Some lock themselves away for days. Its a rough hustle and these two young ladies are going to have a tough 2022

[@justdev8965]

You're confusing her with Osaka

[@russelltyson7463]

@@justdev8965 Osaka is a 4 time slam champion. Sakkari has not worn anything and she looked pretty broken there. They all cry after painful losses, Osaka just lets us into her pain. No comparison.

[@seizethedayandlive]

I don't know anything about her but after listening to her comments, I'd say she deserves a ton of respect.

[@mikewhocheeseharry5292]

Yeah… I just watched her today and first thing to mind was…she’s taking testosterone because of muscles and deep voice. But, after seeing her interview, she has my respect.

[@philtarpey6386]

There is something special about Emma and you don’t get to a grand slam final on luck. She’s reading her opponents very quickly once they start playing. Amazing Go all the way Emma

[@jen5138]

she's a smart girl

[@divinitymode9364]

A wonderful achievement to get to the semis in this amazing slam. Sakkari’s such a great person and player. The thing about Raducanu is her movement. Watch her closely. It looks so effortless but it’s incredible footwork and anticipation. It creates a lot of stress in her opponents. Final’s going to be a classic. I’ll be happy whoever wins. They both deserve it.

[@jacintacesp]

Agree, she flies around the court.

[@LakiniR9]

The announcers said she's done a variety of sports, including ballet and tap dance, so that might have contributed to her strengths there.

[@camillehill8795]

@@LakiniR9 parents $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[@tocrob]

There is a video clip of Emma table tennis training in China at a young age ( ~8?).

[@alberthead4806]

ill be happy for whoever wins as long as its emma

[@Rick9482]

Well my high opinion of Sakkari just went even higher. I don't recall anyone being so completely honest after such a difficult loss. That's the first step in improving ones game. Recognize where you failed and now it's back to work.

[@johnchang1412]

Maria is the most honest player with her answers.....anyone can relate.....HOPE she does well later on in her career

[@boke75]

Got nothing against her, just wish her and a lot of others would stop making putting the loss to mostly them playing playing badly (and very little to the opponent playing great).

[@cosmoray9750]

Not many people will make it to the semi-final. Maria Sakkari, you did very well for yourself.

[@befreetv354]

semi final...IS NOT THE WINNER! ...JUST Few are WINNERS! and..tennis is not about MUSCLES and Power! you just saw that these days VERY CLEARLY!

[@maimou]

@@befreetv354 It’s not but Maria beat some very talented, tough opponents to get to the semi final which means she also has the game to go deep in tournaments and win big trophies. She just isn’t there quite yet.

[@boke75]

@@maimou She goes for too much to try to overpower the opponent. Here, the opponent was very fast and put more pressure on Maria to put more mustard on her groundies. Thus twice the UFE's as her opponent.

[@briany7658]

The reason all of Emma's opponent's feel like they didn't play their best is because Emma didn't let them. As simple as that.

[@ThugFree-l3k]

Right

[@yanjieji8452]

Indeed.

[@jasonlewis460]

Dammmmmmmm best statement.

[@mikelm222]

Emma hits the ball fast & accurate and she moves well but on top of all that she is smart and employs tactics that her opponents find frustrating.

[@Oaneznka]

Spot on…. Totally agree

[@edwelthrope9197]

Raducanu is returning the serve hard and deep into the court and immediately putting her opponents on the defence, you can see it in all the matches. They all say "I didn't play me best tennis"... it's because they didn't get the chance because they were being dominated in all the rallies.

[@boke75]

Emma's court movement was also a contributing factor.

[@agatamajos8691]

no worries Maria, you will get there, you're a fighter!

[@danielchanoch]

she'll never get there...she has not the quality

[@scambodia147]

What a humble lady,I admire her greatly.Greeks generally are such very nice people,I love the country,Go there to the islands September if you can,guarantee you won't regret it.

[@realtimebiblicalinterpreta6972]

She was expected to win. So it was pressure for her despite what she said.

[@realtimebiblicalinterpreta6972]

I love this young lady

[@jgunner94]

It’s not all about the pace as she mentioned though. Getting depth on a ball can often be more important which Emma does really well, especially those returns on serve. She’s looking like one of the best returners out there right now.

[@tullochgorum6323]

Yes - Maria was destroyed on the second serve. The figures were jaw-dropping. That's where Emma is remarkable, and I'm surprised Maria didn't mention it when she was asked how Emma was able to put her under so much pressure.

[@ozzy17075]

Exactly. I think Emma is getting a name for herself on the tour for her returning ability and of course Sakkari experienced it first hand - made her push her second serves and shots too which is why there were so many more double faults and unforced errors compared to the Sabalenka game.

[@tullochgorum6323]

@@ozzy17075 Just checked the stats - Maria's 2nd serve winners were only 42%. That means you're under pressure almost every service game. Nothing she tried had any effect - that must be seriously demoralising.

[@ozzy17075]

@@tullochgorum6323 absolutely. I thought Sakkari would be Emma’s toughest opponent this tournament because of her all round game, but it just seems the pressure got to her. Not converting all those early break points probably affected her mentally. Ultimately I’m very happy Emma won, but I’m sure Sakkari will bounce back

[@luisbulich3498]

It is not just little pressure. Great players both emma and fernandez. They prevent their rival from playing well

[@wonderlandian8465]

She is going to pull herself up and go for it again, like she did after the French. It took her like 3-4 years to get past the 3rd round of any major, suddenly once she made it to the 4th once she then made it to the 4th in all of them, then after one year she started making Semi finals, another obstacle that she will eventually overcome, i'm very confident that she will, it just takes some players more time than others, she talked about this in her previous press conference very eloquently.

[@cheechen3166]

Emma won because she serves very well, returns well and has powerful penetrating ground strokes that rarely goes out. On top she controls her emotion well and has that killer instinct.

[@paulshrew]

so refreshing to see 2 humble teens playing with a smile and being respectful to the opponent they've just beat, rogers, Bencic and Sakkari all saying they didn't turn up, a coincidence or just bad losers, cmon give credit to Emma, you were all beaten by a better player! I switched off Womens tennis after a growing trend of smashing racquets and tantrums on court... Really looking forward to the final, Emma and Leylah are both winners whatever the result.

[@AshleyKarys]

I am a new fan of Maria Sakkari. She did very well answering these questions from these reporters. Class act all the way. And I respect her answers about Emma being fearless. She’s right. You play very differently with no pressure. Like she said you have nothing to lose!

[@UniversalMokenTroll]

Well Maria, I am positive that you will be in a major final too. I believe in you. Sending love and support from the U.S.

[@marciaemilygunawan9726]

When asked about changing her skirt, she added cheekily 'i was pretty quick tho' hinting to stefanos' contoversy i thought it was amusing 😂😂

[@gpapa31]

She was thinking 💭 don’t put me in that category pls. 😂

[@Pip1024.]

The way she speaks shows her professionalism, sportsmanship and respect to other players. There’s always a winner and loser in every game. She’s so hot too. Keep smiling.

[@bartholomewlyons]

Not below her neck, bro, unless you like bulky men

[@hugbow]

Maria is so classy even in defeat. She is a wonderful player and truly a credit to the sport and the WTA.

[@jasonlewis460]

What about Ms. Naomi Francois Osaka?

[@johnpeter4184]

It is difficult not to like Maria. Wishing her well in future matches.

[@florencesee5805]

Emma and Leylah are just playing without pressure. It is basically the tension that makes the seeded older players become stiff. They overthink while the young one just go on instinct. Playing under pressure makes it seem like you are playing against 2 people, - the opponent plus yourself. That in itself what makes it so hard to win. Credit to the 2 teens also coz they are natural talents. Cant wait who gets the final win. Best guess... Emma will win in 3 sets. But who knows. The winner in all these... it's TENNIS!

[@happyherbert1984]

Agreed my friend. That's the one and only reason for unusual low quality of playing by established players. Once the fear kicks in, you lose everything that made you creative and lucky in your game. That's what happened to Iga Swiatek...she never comes into the "zone" like in RG final. Instead feeling haunted by doubts and fears. This will affect the youngsters as well, cause social media and press coverage will overwhelm both of them like crazy. You lose this sweet innocence and go into fights with demons. To become a star ist dangerous and damaging.

[@happyherbert1984]

Emma cannot win...as long as Leylah is physical fit. The endurance, game intelligence and mental stability are on another level with that girl...and on top she incites crowd support like in a frenzy..by her smile all day. Lets see!

[@damiananderson5443]

@@happyherbert1984 Emma to win in two sets!! 🎾 👌🏽

[@johnnythunder196]

@@happyherbert1984 Emma wins

[@ANDY1985UK2011]

@@happyherbert1984 emma will blow her off the court in straight sets

[@Rossg2805]

Spoke well even after a very disappointing loss

[@leemurray7240]

Sorry her comments about Emma sounded like sour grapes too me..

[@Rossg2805]

@@leemurray7240 she gave her credit for taking her chances and congratulated both teenagers for getting to the final. Have to understand she's going to be gutted after a performance like that and so therefore isn't going to be all smiles. Her answers were well articulated, normally you'd get one sentence answers from players after such a loss

[@albinorhino3073]

@@leemurray7240 agreed.

[@davidevans3227]

must be tough losing, then being asked all about the other player.. she is obviously soo gutted..

[@leemurray7240]

@@Rossg2805 no one sentence answer about the benic loss as well. She was outclassed on the night. I do get that would be hard for her to except because Emma as come through qualifying.

[@moester75]

I’m still hurting this morning from Maria Sakkari’s loss last night so I’m certain my Greek warrior is stinging. Please keep your head and your morale up Maria those two teenagers just stunned the entire tennis world. Nobody saw them coming not even their own camps thought they could do what they did last night it happens. Get ready for Melbourne 2022 Maria. Unless you’re playing an American WTA player, I’ll pull hard af for you until my last breath….. ❤️🇬🇷🎾😁

[@ΛεναΜκργ]

Imagine that Emma had booked ticket to get back home after her first game😅None of us was expected these two to win the slam so... As for Maria am Greek an am really proud of her💕She will manage it next time💞

[@moester75]

Believe me man nobody in America was pulling harder for Maria Sakkari to win that US Open than I was but Emma was just destined to do it. I’m beginning to believe any female on this planet can pick up a tennis racket and go win a Grand Slam. It’s unbelievable all these WTA players coming out of nowhere and winning Slams.

[@lexden1]

Emma just returns soooo well.

[@vasanthrock7083]

Emma is the 🏆

[@-BigIi-]

yeah, I noticed her returns are so effective...

[@ANDY1985UK2011]

@@-BigIi- that is the reason why she has won so many sets with a double break in this tournament

[@theriac.]

I completely disagree with her. All players are equal. There is equal amount of pressure for everyone. Sakkari turned pro 6 years ago at 20 years old. She has had enough time as a professional to make it to the top and/or to win a slam. The fact that Raducanu is doing it far quicker than anyone and has bagged her maiden slam at only her second attempt may make other players fee more pressure but if it is affecting them enough to impede their performances this is clearly a psychological issue. Sakkari along with the others did not bring their best game because Raducanu did not allow them to. If you watch her variety of shots, how consistently she nails them deep, across court, down the line etc. Her focus, her confidence, her temperament under pressure. All these characteristics make it possible for her to achieve greatness which she proved at Flushing Meadows. You see this time and time again with Djokovic. This is what sets apart top level and elite and the fine line between elite and greatness. Whether she can maintain this consistency depends on her and her team, if she can avoid injury and whether she is protected from the distractions and attractions that come with fame

[@annfarag8615]

Onwards & upwards Maria ! You will get there

[@emilymckeever4011]

She will make it to that FINAL! 🙏🏾✨💯 I’m admiring these players who speak so eloquently despite their loss. 👏🏾

[@gerardmackay8909]

It’s a sense of self preservation that all Emma’s opponents are singing the same song that they were ‘off form’. The alternative is ‘I tried everything I could but I was blown away by a prodigy who completely dismantled my game’ because with that sobering narrative what chance now does an ambitious 26 year old like Sakkari have of nailing a slam with these two teenagers playing tennis at this unbelievably high standard and sustaining it too. This is no flash in the pan for either of them.

[@MyWissam]

I usually don't watch the interviews, but watching them these past few days they opened my eyes to how devastating these losses can be to the athletes ... like shattered glass.

[@james9609]

Didn't whine, didn't moan. Handled it like a true professional. Very well spoken.

[@soo6087]

Very gracious losers, Sakkari and Bencic. They were outplayed this US Open, that’s why they weren’t playing their best, they weren’t allowed to. Fabulous and beautiful play by Emma 👍🏻

[@ssrmy1782]

Emma has them all sitting at the desk saying they didn't show up. You weren't allowed to show up.

[@jasonlewis460]

still nobody has given her the props she deserves just like leyilah, they just keep making some type excuse.

[@stuartwayne4978]

Serena does the same thing. No one ever beats Serena, she always doesn't play her best instead, alluding to the suggestion that if she was playing her best she would've won, her opponent had nothing to do beating her.

[@Bambotb]

💯

[@jasonlewis460]

@@stuartwayne4978 Yup that is the reason, why I will never root for Serena Wiillams, she great for the sport; but she is just a bad sportsmanship

[@pgarciaAP]

@@jasonlewis460 That might have been true at the beginning of her career when she was what, 15. As she got older she was more gracious and often complemented her opponents. Part of growing up I guess. When I look at where she came from, the experiences she had to endure, I cut her some slack.

[@yacovmitchenko1490]

Well, the vast majority of 18 and 19 year olds don't beat top players consecutively. The statement "They had nothing to lose" still doesn't address the enormous skill and mental toughness necessary to beat them. Have you not observed that even when the top players play their B game, they still usually win? I watched the 2 teenagers, and they were beautifully nasty on the court. They just outplayed their seniors, though granted, some of them weren't playing their best. Still, not playing their best had something to do with the high caliber play of the teenagers. I was surprised, too, at how smart these youngsters were on court; they played so intelligently.

[@laurent7598]

Exactly... they play smart, and the difference is there !!! Maria had the experience and the power, but only hammered straight shots. It works when the other one doesn't bring back the ball, but when she does, it's not enough anymore, and playing tactical is the key

[@virgilang8957]

Well said.. Awesome. 😊👌

[@jacinthpearson7716]

Indicates that the quality of players are not same.

[@nikostsanos]

Very true what you’re saying but keep in mind that especially in woman’s tennis we have seen players that looked like fireworks and soon they faded out. Sakkari isn’t necessarily a very talented player. She achieved whatever she has achieved thru very hard work and training. After that loss she will return stronger. She is in love with tennis and she will be around for many years to come. Amazing talent on both these teenagers. Congratulations to both.

[@sportguy4996]

When people expect more from you , the pressure is higher. That’s what happened to Sakkari. If she had won the match, it would be the expected result. Even if Emma would loose the match, it would still be a great run on the USO. No pressure at all for the teen. She went further than her expectations already.

[@nicholasrusso9975]

She's truly a Spartan! Come back next year and get them!

[@alunmorgan2352]

Emma hasn’t lost a set in all her matches and she’s gone through qualifying. Has every signal one of her opponents played poorly or is it something else. I have my opinions

[@villanelle158]

They all choke when they are favorite

[@simondickinson5578]

They can't all just b playing poorly, Emma is a big time player who is destined for greatness...

[@alunmorgan2352]

@@simondickinson5578 4th round of Wimbledon before retiring. She's no mug

[@mikelm222]

Her opponents play bad - Once is chance, Twice is co-incidence, Three times is Strategy

[@villanelle158]

@@mikelm222 what strategy makes them all serve bad ?

[@parallelsuns1]

Sakkari didn't choke she was just beaten by a far better player. + The final was arguably the best quality tennis since Williams vs Graf from years back

[@bukeaor2961]

Her spirit is what has throttled her thus far and she will recover ! 💞💞

[@royceskepagny6182]

Sakkiri is so articulate, you forget that English is not her first language. I really want to see Maria win big time titles but she has been a bit of an underachiever. She’s only won one WTA crown in her career. A minor title in Morocco in 2019. She should have at least half-a-dozen titles by now. At 26 she ain’t getting any younger and she knows it. “My career has been a marathon not a sprint.” So true.

[@avatarzang2674]

Unlike a certain greek compatriot, she handles herself so well after a loss. Credits the opponent, accepts disappointment and is able to compose for a painful press conference immediately after. Her time will come.

[@NovaxxDjocovid]

Did you even watch Tsitsipas's press conference? He was complimenting his opponent the entire time. Stop the mindless hate.

[@hunterjumper263]

@@NovaxxDjocovid thank youuuu. Couldn't agree more

[@Cocologs]

@@NovaxxDjocovid Exactly. The hate for Tsitsipas makes no sense- he was very courteous and heavily praised Alcaraz

[@ΛεναΜκργ]

@@NovaxxDjocovid thanks for your support!!Greek friend here💪🙏🏻

[@maimou]

Stefanos is always thoughtful, honest and gracious and he compliments his opponents after a loss. Stop hating.

[@corinnclark3835]

I love when she says she is a step by step player and it's more of a marathon for her than a sprint. Every player has their own journey, their own way of processing information and moving forward - which is exactly why people need to stop comparing the journey of player A to the journey of player B.

[@bluecanary9417]

It has been a consistent theme with Emma’s opponents during this tournament. They all express disappointment at not playing their best game and at gifting Emma with chances. Perhaps it’s the case that Emma’s playing style prevents them from playing well and forces them to gift her with chances …

[@thehighlander959]

It's because Raducanu's game is based on going after the first serve, not the second serve like most of the older players. It's difficult to play someone who is always in you face like Emma Raducanu.

[@Abobagunwa]

Also because Emma and Fernandez are the new players on the circuit. I can tell you that Emma and Leyla know more about the top ten player’s games than they do. In tennis you learn about your opponent by watching their games and to a large extent you can predict patterns of play. Being new players, the older girls don’t have that knowledge yet. Time will tell how well both Emma and Fernandez will manage this success on the tour or if it is just a flash in the pan. With great success comes huge responsibilities. We’ll see if they are actually ready and have the staying power to rule the tennis world like all the pundits seem to want us to believe. Been watching tennis for over 25yrs and I can say for certain that usually meteoric rises - which are quite common in the WTA - almost always end with crash landings. In recent years there have been Ostapenko, Kenin, Iga Swiatek, Andreescu and Osaka. Out of all the players mentioned, only Osaka has played to her potential but even then she is already complaining of mental health issues due to pressures of being expected to win and hinting g at retiring from tennis till further notice ( of course, tennis also made her rich indirectly via all the multimillion dollar endorsements she got in a span of just 3 yrs). We can only watch how their tennis and public personas will evolve with the sudden and quick rise to fame, poularity, and wealth. Emma Raducanu was featured front cover of Vogue magasine just last week as a star . The Media machinery has already started. Amazing. 😐

[@TheJhtlag]

Pretty much everybody in every sport. Yeah, sure you could have played better... we didn't execute etc.

[@Ryan-xm3dt]

@@Abobagunwa Osaka wouldn't have felt that kind of pressure of winning if she has not accepted all those commitments, excessive exposure and millions from all those sponsors, interviews, fashion engagements, etc. She could have balanced it all out with tennis. In short she lost focus and with all those things in her mind, lost her drive, motivation and which things really make her happy -- is it money, is it fame, is it tennis?

[@0xNameless]

That’s what I see, a lot of comments about not bringing their A game but 3 or 4 players saying the same thing in a row is not a coincidence.

[@charmerschannel7126]

I think if it’s one or two players not playing their best against Emma then it’s coincidental. But it seems to be each opponent doesn’t play their best which suggests it’s because she’s not allowing them the time to do so.

[@suckstobeblue]

Yeah, I think the best comparison is Djokovic where I believe either Medvedev or Tsitsipas said, "he makes you play bad" because of great returns, hitting the ball deep, taking time away, so you feel you need to go for more and that's when errors happen.

[@krob2327]

They were paid off. They are mocking the people here

[@muhammadfasieh4757]

Maria is a solid player her grandslam will come soon commiserations to Aryna and Maria Congratulations to Emma and Leyla👍

[@ghsense2626]

I doubt it, too many young players bursting into the scene and if Osaka can stop sulking she will be a force aswell.

[@markblow1966]

Why will it? The French and US Open have been her best ever chance of getting to a Grand Slam final and she failed both times.

[@muhammadfasieh4757]

@@markblow1966 cause of our powerful backhand and forehands

[@stevensharp5416]

@@markblow1966 because she's 26, in her prime and not going anywhere anytime soon

[@markblow1966]

@@stevensharp5416 Lots of players in their prime have failed. Raonic got to the Wimbledon Final in 2016,. Not been to another one since.

[@jwaynes71]

people say they have nothing to lose is true and also not true. Everyone is nervous whether you're 10 years veteran or a rookie. To go for a shot, you must first have the ability to make that shot, throw in the nerves, tightness, and focus/concentration, all the credit goes to the winner. Nothing to lose is a very small percentage and BS.

[@NoOne-le2jv]

Saying you have nothing to lose is a way of taking the pressure off yourself.

[@kenmoreSF]

I noticed that she came up to the net more after the first set and had better results on the second set. She needs to work on that and maybe that will take her game to another level. She's quite lovely and speaks very eloquently.

[@northernreflections4653]

Credit to Sakkari for articulating her thoughts. It really helps appreciate the internal struggles hen playing a high stakes match. I know she will learn from this experience and win come back stronger. I’m a fan.

[@ccrcx7]

Maria did well in this tournament. It takes 7 spectacular matches to reach the grand prize but she accomplished a lot and her mental game is only going to get better.

[@aziraphaleangel]

Unless you're Raducanu, in which case it takes 10.

[@rogerhills9962]

Maria accepted that she didn play her best and made no excuses. With her work attitude success will come.

[@theodimopoulos8039]

Chin up! You made tremendous progress what's the disappointment for? You are a champ!

[@ezscootrr]

Emma just played sharp. You can tell how she hit those winners.

[@yezmirsheppard-halika6892]

Right!! Girl smile, you did amazing!

[@philipcross8121]

Nice and encouraging words. I agree. She's made successive semi-finals and not many can say that. I understand her disappointment, too. It was a golden opportunity for her to make a first major final and possibly win a major but her nerves got the better of her, regardless of how well Raducanu played. Sakkari didn't show up in the first set & I suspect Sabalenka's surprise defeat put even more pressure on her and she wasn't able to deal with it. Anyway, I like Sakkari and her style of play and am sure she'll get many more chances to win majors.

[@muliyechuula9098]

oh Maria. I was soooo rooting for you. but Chin up girl. it will happen. Ask Andy Murray he knocked on the grandslam door so many times, Now he has three to his name!! it will come to pass....keep grinding. you are a CHAMP!!

[@markuse3472]

Me, too.

[@Southpaw101]

True. Only if you try and give yourself opportunities that something will happen. Where there is will there is a way! Keep trying ....

[@sergiosimbula]

I believe Murray has 4.

[@spinalc0rds]

@@sergiosimbula 3, two Olympic golds, 1 Davis cup and former #1 not bad for a guy from that era

[@gustavotejada607]

Andy Murray is done

[@mtnluvr]

Great interview. What a classy lady. Congrats!

[@catherineharford4199]

I love watching Maria play. She is a great athlete. Very gracious in defeat. She will be back.

[@frankhu2413]

Your time will eventually come. Keep fighting.

[@Msclaret]

Sorry for Maria, a tough loss but If ur making semi finals regularly then your heading in the right direction and the slam final will come. it's still been a great tournament for her.

[@iangalbraith1993]

Hmmmm I think we need to hear more of an acknowledgment of just how well Emma played. Her return game was just astonishing. She didn’t allow these players to play their best.

[@markuse3472]

Well, Maria has done well against such plays or players before, just not this time. Watch Emma's video if you want a one sided view for her.

[@iangalbraith1993]

Not one-sided. I watched the whole match and both interviews. ‘I didn’t play my best game’ won’t help her analysis what went wrong.

[@happyherbert1984]

She analysed it pretty much on point when she stated double times: Emma plays fearless and goes full risk AND catches the lines all the time (which is often the case when you' mentally free) vs. Sakkari who felt wayyy to much presszre from her own expectations and therefore could NOT release any of her top skills in this game. Mentally blocked you'll play at half of your usual level. Either you overcome it ( for ex. a cheering crowd helps much!) or you dig yourself into that hole deeper and deeper. And this time the crowd cheered on Raducanu. So what do you do??

[@jf4913]

@@iangalbraith1993 I agree with you but I expect that she will sit down and analyse this fully in a few days. This interview is just after the match so at that point she's just feeling disappointed rather than looking forward to the next tournament and improving her game.

[@owencrompton3713]

@@markuse3472 i take it you will not watch emmas video as that would upset your one sided view of maria.wd emma outsmarted all who have come against her

[@christiandelapena8623]

She's so pretty when she smiles.

[@gordonmillsjr.1957]

Maria was blown off the court by Raducanu on her way to the title plain and simple - as we're ALL the other nine. I can't wait to see Emma Raducanu play her next tournament against these "top players" now that they know about her and haven't got any excuses. Exciting times ahead!

[@matthewplampton955]

Too much of a coincidence that Emma's opponents break down against her. Her game dismantles them. She gives them no space to swing with her depth of return. They never have an easy game or point.

[@beemac79]

Isn't it such a coincidence that nobody could bring their best performance, but Emma did match after match. You're not in the same league, that's the problem!

[@mikelm222]

She said that Raducanu's last three opponents didn't play well . . . . what's that saying ? . . . Oh yeah . . . Once is chance, Twice is co-incidence, Three times is Strategy.

[@Wallyonpattayabeach]

The gall she has saying they were "absent"! One thing the US Open showed this year is that the Greek bratpack certainly are arrogant.

[@commenzator]

I like Maria. She’s really nice.

[@aemiliadelroba4022]

I like her , She tried hard , Congratulations to her 🇬🇷

[@puriso1]

Well done to the two youngsters. I was secretly hoping for a Sakkari victory because she has been fighting for a while now. I'm wondering if the older players are suffering from fatigue since this year has been such a strange year. So many top players didn't achieve the results they expected in this tournament. But Raducanu and Fernandez are incredible talents.

[@octaviocuellar1607]

Well, she kept saying, she had nothing to lose, so she played fearless,, maybe sakari should have played fearless like there is nothing to lose. You can't lose something, that you don't have !!!!! I'm just saying

[@akhusal]

She also had nothing to lose when she was 18, so why didn't she win a slam? She should of been magnanimous in defeat and acknowledged Emma's great tennis.

[@octaviocuellar1607]

@@akhusal Agreed !!! Just excuses !!! Looking forward to watch Raducanu and Fernandez in Indian wells !!

[@willecutlip]

She’s moving up and will continue to do so. Key comment was that she admitted that she’s not handling being in a semi-final well. It’s the mental part of her game that needs attention - she gets her head on right and she will start making it to finals of a regular basis

[@oneone9884]

Great player. Look forward to seeing her on the court again.

[@KingWelshy]

Pressure can do so much to with a level expectancy. Emma kept consistent and even mentally even when net cords didn't go her way. Maria is strong all rounder just has to maybe play a bit more freely but tension comes in various ways and she's having a great year, so she is doing way more right than wrong in getting to the business end of major tournaments. Keep pushing Maria!

[@krob2327]

She’s literally spelling it out. Her and Belinda were paid to lose. Saying they both were ‘absent’ etc

[@ImKapiN]

i’m amazed with how down to earth she is, i reaaaally hope she wins a slam next year.

[@robertwiltshire3631]

So dignified and generous in her disappointment. You cannot help but wish her well.

[@dgcmusi]

Maria has a great attitude….I like her professionalism…👍

[@nieshikoto]

Sakkari answered "both of them..." when asked about Emma. Maybe she misheard the question, but I bet she was indeed affected by how Sabalenka lost. Hence, she doubled the pressure on herself thinking both teenagers. I like Sakkari, hope she comes back stronger.

[@justiceisanillusion5602]

Agree. Had Sabalenka won, Sakkari might have been able to focus and play better in her match, but with Sabalenka losing, she was suddenly the favourite to win the whole slam, and that could play tricks with her mind, she had been the underdog the whole way so far, and suddenly she was the favourite in the semis and now she would be the favourite in the final too.

[@ISABRACA]

Yes! It will come Maria, you will learn from this and get back stronger

[@Jonathan-ug9yu]

Sakkari is breaking my heart. She didn't play to her best, there were hints of it in the second set. She's an absolute unit on form

[@camillehill8795]

Maria is such a lovely, composed, intelligent and likable person. She is a fantastic person and is extremely gracious. She has great analytical skills and is a hard worker so she will succeed in winning a major tennis title.

[@pinecrest68]

Maria Sakkari is a class act, very mature and honest and I believe she will win a grand slam - she will be back stronger

[@gpapa31]

I see a lot of people commenting in the section with some sharing Maria’s opinion that her not playing well was a major factor for her loss and others saying that the other player simply outperformed her and forced her not to play well. The answer is not black and white and usually stands somewhere in the middle. But how will we know whether Emma’s win was a one of thing or she truly is a much better player than Maria? I am afraid, history can only tell. This was their only game against each other. You will find in their multiple matches against each other in the future how things shape up and who is the superior player. One game alone does not define your level quality against someone else. How consistent can you be? Personally I root for both. They are my two favourite women’s players right now. I wish them nothing but success.

[@Csnumber1]

Now this is how you handle a presser after a loss! Extremely honest and poised.....and insightful responses to the questions asked. It’s true....everyone who’s had to face both Emma and Fernandez, suffered from the pressure of playing “Youth”. Players they haven’t faced who as Sakari said, are swinging “free”! But in the same breath, Emma, in her best showing yet, played very very well in this match....and Emma herself confirmed as much, as she said it was her best effort. One reporter asked Emma if it really wasn’t a “thing”, with regard to the aspect of “Youth”...and she petty much said “yes”...that element surely plays a role and she will herself one day face the same situation. Both of these young Grand Slam finalist played extremely well in their Semifinal matches. But picking one to win?.....I watched both matches but the angles Emma was able to find against Sakari were impressive. But Fernandez hugs the baseline and hits then ball deep....this makes for a really great matchup! One looming factor that will play against Emma is she hasn’t lost a set yet....if Fernandez wins the first or second set, how will Emma respond? Winning the first set in my opinion will be key to Emma winning. If Fernandez can take a set, she’ll be the first to do so...and that momentum may lead to a win! Cheers everyone, enjoy the match!

[@simonabotorogea4484]

Maria you had an wonderful year, huge achievements. Next year will be a better year, and a final will come!

[@juansebastianpatino51]

Muy lindo gran Slam sákkari me encanta me parece una gran tenista y muy hermosa La chica Emma es muy talentosa Lo mismo la chica canadiense Muy linda semifinal

[@nellymaccaro6360]

Love Maria!❤️❤️❤️Hope she wins a major soon!,🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾

[@brentherndon8095]

The best Maria

[@LingLiu2014]

Maria Sakkari don't be disappointed you played well against Emma Raducanu. I've seen plenty of top seeded players go out but like you they will come back stronger

[@ladybugflv]

Completely off-topic, Maria's hair looked amazing today, though. Shiny and smooth. 😄

[@kennethparris8405]

It always does lol

[@jomomeertins9391]

@@kennethparris8405 lol...cant help it can u?..lol

[@bukeaor2961]

💯

[@lyndashields4185]

Hair spray works wonders 😆

[@andrewwhite8762]

Maria comes across much more pleasant in the press conference than on the court where her intensity is somewhat offputting IMO.

[@NG-wx4kw]

A tennis player's intensity is off putting? What else we're going to hear! Watch ballerinas instead.

[@andrewwhite8762]

@@NG-wx4kw It's called carisma and it's subjective.

[@guyshirra824]

Very interesting and very honest.

[@crazycatpetera1404]

I do like Sakkari and she was being very professional throughout this very difficult press conference, but at the end of the day the most important trait of a top athlete is (and will always be) performing well under pressure, so her saying that her and Belinda didn’t play their best against Emma isn’t a valid excuse.

[@GrecoFilesKerkyra]

Classy reaction to a tough defeat, well done.

[@jackjude]

Seems a decent person - looked great in the preceding matches and thought she would really test Emma with her speed and power game. Love the way she marches about the place.

[@ailingcheong3228]

Love your positive attitude Maria. So respectful and polite. I hope you win a slam soon

[@lleange363]

why fernandez interview and speech the ones that i rolled my eyes with 🙄 in all emma's opponent? i love how bencic and sakkari's humility recogznizing the strength emma...

[@ithikithik]

Almost everyone expected that the final will be Sabalenka vs Sakari. That's why both of them got so much pressures. Meanwhile the two teenagers played their routine tennis freely.

[@sawolaja65]

Their tennis was anything but routine! It was intelligent, smart, powerful, succinct, dynamic and free flowing, no hint of second guessing themselves. Once committed to the shot it was all in! Fearless first strike tennis at its best.

[@kuskut]

Emma was giving the ball quite a bit of 'air', and that took away Sakkari's ability to 'load up' on her shots. Hitting the ball deep also helped. It easier to return a low, flat ball, but when the ball is deep and bouncing outside your strike zone, then you've got to be very careful with your shots. It also requires a lot more energy to generate any pace on the ball. People under-estimate strategy and tactics at this level. This is a game of contradiction: It requires both strength and finesse. I'm surprised that no one asked her about the lingering effects of that marathon match with Andreescu. She's clearly one of the fittest players on tour, but it clearly takes more than that to win at this level. Keep grinding, your turn will come.🏆🏆

[@blackswan2441]

Hopefully Sakkari will not feel discouraged and remind herself of her passion; tennis. Maria Sakkari...Bring out your best tennis, and enjoy every single match.

[@katlegondaba1101]

U got to love her, wish her in the future

[@ingmarsen]

The problem with Sakkari is she overthinks too much . She had two match points against Barbora Krejcikova at the French Open and I'm sorry to say choked . Same thing at US Open , she herself admitted didn't play her best and again lost to eventual champion . Exactly , she didn't handle the pressure ( she said herself ) . Tennis , the term they use , think about the process and not the outcome !