Watch Niculescu give an all-time best acceptance speech

By Jonathan Scott Oct 25, 2016
Your Game

Babolat releases 2025 Wimbledon collection

By Jon Levey Jul 05, 2025
Quote of the Day

Goran Ivanisevic blasts Stefanos Tsitsipas after Wimbledon exit: “Never seen such a poorly prepared player”

By Stephanie Livaudais Jul 04, 2025
Style Points

Wimbledon makes rare dress code exception to let players honor Diogo Jota

By Stephanie Livaudais Jul 04, 2025
Social

After Wimbledon withdrawal, Hubert Hurkacz announces knee surgery

By Baseline Staff Jul 04, 2025
The Business of Tennis

Want to see tennis stars like Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon's Centre Court for $20? Here's how

By Associated Press Jul 04, 2025
Style Points

Emma Navarro raves about Mejuri jewelry in glossy Tatler magazine spread

By Baseline Staff Jul 03, 2025
Quote of the Day

“A good problem to have”: Wimbledon lucky loser Solana Sierra to apartment hop again

By Baseline Staff Jul 03, 2025
Quote of the Day

“I’m not the only one!” Andrey Rublev reacts to Wimbledon’s wild opening week

By Stephanie Livaudais Jul 03, 2025
Style Points

Naomi Osaka leaves the flowers at home for an all-business Wimbledon look

By Stephanie Livaudais Jul 02, 2025

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.

Advertising

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.