Tennis Greek Sakkari celebrates his birthday with a second round win

TOKYO, July 26 (Reuters) – After the cake is handed out to her teammates, Greek Maria Sakkari celebrated her 26th birthday by highlighting Serbian Nina Stojanovic in the second round of the Tokyo Games on Monday, 6-1 6-2. .

Sakkari, born on July 25, said the victory was one of the best gifts he could have given himself.

“I spend my birthday here (in games) I don’t know if it will come again in my life,” he said.

“It was quite unique and very nice to be here and celebrate with my colleagues and the rest of the Greek team. They had a really nice surprise yesterday and it was very nice of them. It feels very special.”

Sakkari, who ranked 19th in the world, said his Greek teammates had surprised him with a cake, an unexpected treat at the Olympics, which were kept under strict coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

“Nothing great, but you know what the best they could do in the circumstances. But they were really nice and I really enjoyed it.”

Sakkari said he also expects a race in the mixed pair with his compatriot and men fourth, Stefanos Tsitsipas.

“We know each other really well … and we’re both really excited to play together. Of course I can’t predict getting a medal. We’re trying our best and I think we’re giving ourselves the best chance.” “

Rapporteur: Rozanna Latiff; Editor Kenneth Maxwell

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