Tennis is all about the love and respect that players have for one another. Though there are some moments when players lose their cool, it is the love for the game that binds them all together. A similar incident was witnessed recently at the Japan Open. Japanese player Misaki Doi was playing the last tournament of her career. In the round of 16 of the Japan Open, she faced the formidable force of Maria Sakkari. The Greek player proved to be too strong for Misaki and she eventually ended up losing the match.

However, it was not the match that caught everyone’s attention. At the moment when pure emotions flowed, Maria Sakkari came ahead and displayed her sportsmanship on the tennis court. Instead of talking about her game, she went ahead to do something completely different.

Maria Sakkari gives a heartfelt tribute to the Japanese player who played her last ever game

In a moment of pure bliss, Japanese tennis legend Misaki Doi bid farewell to her illustrious career, accompanied by heartfelt words from Maria Sakkari. Sakkari, who is in the form of her life played Doi in the last 16.

The Greek player was able to clinch victory as she defeated the Japanese player in straight sets. Misaki, who played in front of the home crowd for one last time. In the post-match conference, Sakkari showed a moment of pure respect, as instead of talking about her game, she went ahead to console Misaki and congratulate her for the moments of joy that she brought on the court.

“I don’t want to talk about me today. It was an honor to play against Misaki in her last ever match. You deserve to enjoy life. You deserve to enjoy yourself, have some fun. We know how tough tennis life is. Take some time. I’m sure you’ll find a way to find something special again.. It was an honor to play you,” said Sakkari in the post-match interview.

Maria Sakkari after beating Misaki Doi in the last match of her career:

“I don’t want to talk about me today. It was an honor to play against Misaki in her last ever match. You deserve to enjoy life. You deserve to enjoy yourself, have some fun. We know how tough tennis life is.…

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 28, 2023

Sakkari’s words showed sportsmanship and the respect that she had for her opponent. It was not the win that was important for her but recognizing the efforts put in by a player who played his last ever match.

At a moment when emotions were running high, Misaki’s friend and interviewer came ahead with an act of pure brilliance.

Misaki Doi’s friend celebrates her career by offering her flowers

After the match was over, Kurumi Nara, who once played in the doubles category with Misaki went ahead to interview the Japanese player. While interviewing Doi, she could not control her emotions and eventually cried while celebrating Misaki’s heroics.

Not only this, but to celebrate the exceptional career of her friend, she even brought her flower as a token of admiration and respect that Misaki throughout her career as a player earned on the tennis court.

Misaki Doi’s good friend, Kurumi Nara, was crying during Misaki’s last on-court interview.

She also brought her flowers.

They played doubles together & supported each other throughout their careers.

Beautiful way to end a career, with her friend by her side. ❤️

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 28, 2023

Thus, at a moment when emotions were heavy, the acts by Maria Sakkari and Kurumi Nara reflected true sportsmanship. The Japanese player, who played her last ever match got all the love and respect, not only from the fans but her rivals and her friend as well. Such is the beauty of tennis!

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