President of TOC Athletes' Commission makes Turkish tennis history in Istanbul

Istanbul; 25 April 2016: President of the Turkish Olympic Committee’s (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 initially lost the first set 3-6 before winning 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 in Istanbul.

Büyükakçay, who secured a place in the WTA top 100 for the first time with a semi-final victory over Stefanie Voegele, was appointed President of the TOC’s Athletes’ Commission in October 2015. As President of the a 48-member commission which is represented equally by men and women, Büyükakçay plays a vital role in ensuring that athletes interests are kept at the very heart of the TOC. Since her appointment, Büyükakçay has also joined the TOC’s Executive Committee, where she represents the Athletes’ Commission.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Büyükakçay said:

"I was 15 when I first participated in this tournament. It’s always been one of my biggest dreams to win this cup. I want to thank everyone who has supported me. I am living the best day of my life. I am very lucky to have won this cup in my home country. We did it!

Speaking about Büyükakçay’s victory, TOC President Professor Dr. Uğur Erdener said:

"On behalf of everyone at the TOC I would like to congratulate Çağla on her victory and for all the success she has brought to Turkish tennis over the years. The TOC applauds Çağla for her contribution since her appointment as President of the TOC’s Athletes’ Commission in October last year. Her passion and commitment to developing Turkish sport is an inspiration to us and all young athletes across Turkey".

The TOC’s Athletes Commission is a consultative body made up of active athletes, each nominated by their respective National Federations. Its purpose is to provide a platform for dialogue between the athletes and the TOC.

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