The big moment has arrived for Maria Sakkari, as Greece’s top female tennis player will compete on Sunday evening (July 19, 8:00 p.m.) for the Athens Open title, facing Barbora Krejčíková in the final of the first WTA tournament hosted in Greece in 36 years!

Sakkari is one win away from celebrating a title in front of a Greek crowd, having had an outstanding run to the final. In the semifinals, she convincingly overcame Alina Korneeva, winning 6-1, 7-5, securing her first appearance in a final since Indian Wells in 2024.

She will face one of the most experienced and talented players in the draw. Krejcikova, ranked No. 32 in the world and a former No. 2, needed nearly three hours to defeat Clara Tauson 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 and secure a spot in the final.

The 30-year-old Czech has a strong track record in major tournaments, having won two Grand Slam singles titles, and she also holds the edge in their head-to-head record against Sakkari. The two players have faced each other three times, with Krejčíková holding an even record.

The most memorable match was the 2021 Roland Garros semifinal, when the Czech player prevailed 9-7 in the third set, in a thrilling match where Sakkari came within a hair’s breadth of the biggest upset of her career.

Now, the Greek champion has the opportunity not only to win the third title of her career, but also to get her own… revenge against Krejčíková, bringing an exceptional week to a perfect close in front of Greek fans.

*photo source: KYPE