Spanish superstar becomes the first player in history to win five consecutive European Championships after a sensational week in Kyiv.
The reigning Olympic and three-time World Champion was already well on the way to being labelled as one of the greatest players of all-time. Today in Kyiv at the 2021 European Championships, she achieved what no other player has done before her.
-I feel really happy that I could win my fifth title, you know, it’s not easy to say. I also feel happy because yesterday I was a bit frustrated with how I was playing yesterday, but today I feel a bit happier because we improved my game a lot and I was more focused on my game plan.
Line Christophersen, 21, in the year that Marin won her fourth title, won the 2018 European Junior Championships. An incredible feat for the rising star to feature in the final here in Kyiv. Asked if she could have dreamed then to be facing Marin in the final at the next European Championships.
-I had hoped, but I knew it would be a hard one, so I am just happy to stand here with the silver right now.
A special fifth
Marin came out flying and took the opening game 21-13, with the young Dane looking a little lost. However, she emptied the tank in the second game and pushed the reigning champion close, but Marin refused to go to three and win 21-18.
Marin in her on-court celebration, pointed skywards in acknowledgement of her father who passed away last year.
-I know that I have someone looking down on me every time. He supports me everywhere. I feel really proud of myself. It was something special today, as it is mother’s day and I would like to wish all the best to all mother’s out there.”