Watch Niculescu give an all-time best acceptance speech

By Jonathan Scott Oct 25, 2016
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Watch Niculescu give an all-time best acceptance speech

The Romanian upset Petra Kvitova in the Luxembourg final, 6-4, 6-

ByJonathan Scott

Published Oct 25, 2016

Upon winning her third career title, and beating a two-time Wimbledon champ Petra Kvitova in fine fashion, Monica Niculescu delivered delightful verbal riffs to rival her trademark corkscrew forehand and perhaps underrated backhand.

"I have one more! I have one more!" Niculescu said in the direction of tournament organizers as she prepared to fete her coach—at her favorite WTA Tour event and on her mother's birthday, no less.

She continued: "You are here bad moments, good moments, thank you for staying and we do a great job." Niculescu's coach—who gives off a sort of Stan Wawrinka vibe, am I right?—is Calin Stelian Ciorbagiu. He acknowledged his 29-year-old charge and the crowd, appearing near tears in the happy moment.

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In fact, Niculescu's comments left the championship audience, including final foe Kvitova—freshly beaten 6-4, 6-0—smiling and heartened. And so it is that, on one Sunday in October, Niculescu won not just the Luxembourg singles title but also the hearts of many tennis fans.

Follow Jon on Twitter @jonscott9.