24.04.2016
Member of Turkish Olympic Committee’s (TOC) Executive Board and President of the TOC Athletes’ Commission Çağla Büyükakçay has become the first Turkish tennis player to win a WTA tournament after she overcame Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic in a scintillating final at the TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Cup international women’s tournament on Sunday. Büyükakçay lost the first set 3-6 and won the next two 6-2 and 6-3 to claim Turkey’s first-ever WTA title, much to the delight of the home crowd at the Garanti Koza Arena. Çağla Büyükakçay received her trophy from Akif Çağatay Kılıç, Minister of Youth and Sport of Turkey.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Büyükakçay said: “I was 15 when I first played in this tournament where I met the best tennis players in the world. Winning this Cup has always been my biggest dream. I want to thank the Turkish Tennis Federation, Garanti Koza family, TEB, Enka Sports Club, my family, my coach Can Üner and everyone who has supported me. This is the best day of my life. I am very lucky to have won this cup in my home country. We did it!”
TOC President Professor Dr. Uğur Erdener congratulated Büyükakçay, a member of the TOC Executive Board and President of the Athletes’ Commission, and said “I congratulate you personally and on behalf of the TOC Executive Board for winning the TEB BNP Paribas İstanbul Cup and becoming the first Turkish tennis player to win a WTA tournament. Knowing that bigger achievements await you, I wish you all the best.”
Furthermore, another Turkish tennis player İpek Soylu with her Romanian partner Andreea Mitu also became the champion in doubles at TEB BNP Paribas İstanbul Cup. Soylu and Mitu became champions following the withdrawal announcement of Danka Kovinic due to injury. İpek Soylu also became the first Turkish tennis player to win a WTA title in doubles.