Tsitsipas brothers Stefanos and Petros suffered a disappointing defeat to US pair Mackenzie McDonald and Tommy Paul in the first round of the Australian Open doubles, losing 6-4 3-6 6-4.
While Stefanos played only last night, defeating Frenchman Gilles Simon in straight sets, Petros has not played since participating in a pro circuit in Tunisia last year. Clearly the more inexperienced player on the court at only 20-years-old, Petros was guided by his brother as the two communicated through hushed tones.
The two were unlucky to give away two break points to the Americans in the first set. Despite narrowing the gap and looking to make a comeback, the pair suffered a 6-4 set-loss.
A token of the American success in the first set was largely due to the strong serve by Mackenzie McDonald, who is ranked 192nd in the world ATP rankings. Stefanos’ serve is also to be commended however, claiming four aces in the first set.
The two Greeks still seemed in high spirits after the first set, cheered on by Greek attendees in the crowd. Stefanos stood out from the court decked in bright yellow this afternoon, as opposed to his brother who styled the Hellenic blue and white look.
The two teams played game-for-game in the second set, with neither side looking to give out. That is, until Petros Tsitsipas stepped up to the plate and helped earn the Greek duo a break point, eventually giving them a 5-3 lead. The Greeks cleaned up the second set 3-6 to bring the game into a decider third set.
The Greeks had an impressive 85 percent first serve win percentage after the conclusion of the second set.
While the third set started off well for Tsitsipas brothers, the match took a turn after the US duo earned a break point. From there, the two Greeks couldn’t regain their footing, losing points from unforced errors.
Aces turned to repeated double faults for the Greeks. The Tsitsipas brothers saw a spark of hope late in the set, earning a break point against their opponents to tighten the gap, yet unfortunately couldn’t bring the set any closer. The match finished 6-4 3-6 6-3 in favour of Mackenzie McDonald and Tommy Paul.
A dead language, too hard to learn, who uses Greek these days, how useful is it going to be in the future?
According to various studies, Greek is one of the hardest languages for an English speaker to learn. But once you master it, you are in for a treat, to not only better understand about 150.000 words of the English language that are derived from Greek but to also experience the culture!
Is this not convincing enough?
Six non-native speakers from around the globe and of different age groups gave us their own reasons for learning Greek.
Kimberley May Lynn Chan, Melbourne
Kimberley, 24, is of Malaysian – Chinese background, lives in Melbourne and started learning Greek due to her love for languages, but also to be able to communicate with her partner’s ‘γιαγιά’.
“I wanted to be able to speak with her without needing my partner around to play translator. Nowadays, I can safely maintain a basic conversation.
“It helped me feel closer to my partner and his family. It’s a special feeling being in the moment and understanding the jokes and banter right off the bat rather than having to interrupt my partner and ask what’s happening during Christmas, Easter and ‘γιορτή celebrations’,” says Kimberley.
“My advice to fellow Greek learners, whether you are 2nd/3rd generation Greek abroad or someone who’s just fascinated with the country, people and culture, be persistent. I found that whenever I expressed my desire to learn Greek, I’ve been advised by other Greeks or Greek-Australians that it’s a hard language.
“On the other hand, they get very proud and excited when you make the slightest attempt to converse in their language and will help you in any way possible, with constructive feedback or just gawk because they weren’t expecting it. Welcome aboard this wonderful journey of learning one of the mostly beautiful languages in the world!”
Olga Tsuprykova, Ukraine
Olga is Ukrainian but she has Greek roots as family from her paternal side hails from the Kostyantynopil’ in Donetsk Oblast.
“This region has plenty of settlements founded by Greeks displaced from their native lands in Crimea in late 18th century. Today, the region is home to nearly 100,000 ethnic Greeks,” Olga, 31, tells The Greek Herald.
“I started learning Greek since I first visited Greece in 2016… My primary motivation was caused by a need to discover parts of my identity.
“I used to be a Young European Ambassador in Ukraine and because I knew Greek I was able to connect with Greek speaking young leaders from the European Union,” Olga says.
“My advice to those who are thinking of learning it, is to fall in love with its sound, the way words are formed, its connection to the ancient civilizations and its role in the development of the global culture”.
Irene Podovsovnik, Vienna
Irene, 58, is a lawyer and lives in Vienna with her family. She fell in love with Greece and started learning the language in 1979 during her first trip to the country.
“In the 90s I met my husband who shared my love for Greece. Since then, we go to Rhodes almost annually for vacations. The wish to learn the language properly was always there so when I was 50 years old, I donated to myself Greek private lessons. After some years I even took an exam level A2 at university.
“I had to stop for a while but now I’m studying again. I need the language when I stay in Greece and I might use it in my profession in the future,” Irene says.
Fiona Craig, Melbourne
Fiona is originally from Melbourne and decided to learn Greek after a trip to Greece to visit her great uncle’s grave who lost his life in Greece during WWII.
“My great uncle who was a war hero, died in Greece in WWII. In 2016 I made a pilgrimage to Farsala where he died and to his grave in Athens War Cemetery. I loved the country so much that I extended my trip and have been back a few times since!
“I have been learning Greek for about 6 months. I started learning because I love the sound of the language, how expressive it is, and I would love to spend more time there. Learning Greek is also very interesting from a historical and cultural perspective. I am not an expert but I think to learn Greek you have to be patient, have fun and don’t try to be perfect,” Fiona says.
Ayşe Nermin Önol Altipat, Turkey
Ayşe’s grandfather was born in Thessaloniki and went to Turkey when he was still a child.
“I have been learning Greek for three years. My mother raised me with Greek music. One day, I decided that I wanted to be able to understand the meaning of the songs.
“My life changed after I learnt the language. Especially my way of thinking. I am able to think more analytically and, in my opinion, speaking Greek is a great skill for everyone to have,” Ayşe said.
Jim Cleary, England
Jim Cleary, 67, is a retired British Hellenophile who has visited Greek over 20 times and as he says has made sporadic attempts during the last ten years to learn Greek.
“I started learning the language from my desire to learn a bit more than ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as I think it shows respect for the country and the culture. I also see it as a good activity to keep mentally active during lockdowns,” says Jim.
Asked about his advice to people who learn Greek he says “keep trying – don’t be put off by the different alphabet”.
The Inner West Council voted last night to officially rename the Marrickville Rd Precinct as ‘Little Greece’.
The decision was announced by Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne, who said it is about, “respecting our migrant heritage and continuing to build our multicultural future.”
“To all the Greek Australians who have built Marrickville into one of the best places on earth we say simply, Efharisto,” the mayor said in a Facebook post.
Item 2: Following community engagement, Council has identified a Greek Precinct – Marrickville Rd between Livingstone Rd & Victoria Rd & will submit an application for ‘Little Greece’ to the Geographical Names Board (more…) @greek_herald@livingroomtv
Mayor Byrne said this precinct will recognise the long-standing contribution of Greek Australians in the Inner West.
“Naming a section of Marrickville as ‘Little Greece’ is a gesture of respect to all the Greek migrants who helped establish the Inner West as the birthplace of Australian multiculturalism,” Mayor Byrne said.
“By establishing ‘Little Greece’ in Marrickville, we have an opportunity to reinforce Marrickville as one of Sydney’s great cultural assets. This precinct will formalise the ongoing special bond that exists between Marrickville and Greece.
“I wish to thank everyone in the Marrickville and broader Inner West community for all their hard work in seeing ‘Little Greece’ realised. Special thanks need to go to Councillor Sam Iskandar, who first approached me with the idea for this precinct.”
The precinct be celebrated on 25 March in conjunction with Greek Independence Day, which this year marks its 200th anniversary.
Lykourgos Logothetis was one of the most important Greek leaders of the first half of the 19th century. He distinguished himself as the political and military leader of Samos during the Revolution of 1821.
Lykourgos Logothetis was born on February 10, 1772 in Karlovasi as George Paplomatas. When he was 16 he settled in Constantinople, where he was taught philosophy and appointed secretary of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
In 1795 he moved to Bucharest to become secretary to the ruler of Moldavia, Constantine Ypsilantis, and then to the ruler of Wallachia, Alexandros Soutsos. He was promoted to logothete (an role similar to that of a minister) and henceforth used this title as a surname instead of Paplomatas.
Logothetis had well known acquaintances and, when in 1805 the popular faction of the ‘Carmanioli’ temporarily prevailed in Samos, he was invited to take over the administration of the island.
Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis in Pythagorio Samos.
The strong reaction of the ‘Kallikantzaros’, who represented the ruling class of Samos, forced him to return to Constantinople, where he was eventually exiled to Mt Athos. The proud Samian returned to the island multiple times but was constantly driven out by the Kallikantzaros.
Shortly before the beginning of the Revolution of 1821, he was appointed by Alexandros Ypsilantis as leader of the revolutionary forces of Samos. He immediately took command and devoted himself to the political and military organisation of the rebel Samians. His first concern was his reconciliation with the Kallikantzaros, as a result of which his power was not questioned throughout the struggle. On May 8 the Revolution was officially proclaimed on the island and Lykourgos Logothetis was proclaimed General of Samos.
Logothetis led one of the greatest military defences against the Ottomans on Samos. After his victory, patriots from Chios persuaded him to launch a campaign on the island.
Logothetis landed in Chios with 2,500 armed Samians on March 10, 1822. He immediately replaced the local authorities with his own people and tried to organise the fight on the island. However, a strong reaction from the Protestants of Chios hindered his preparation. When a strong Turkish fleet and army arrived on the island, the island was destroyed and the inhabitants were slaughtered or sold as slaves.
Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis in Pythagorio Samos.
Lycurgus Logothetis was considered responsible for the destruction of Chios and the interim government summoned him to Nafplio for an apology and imprisoned him. After a few months, he was released due to the intervention of Kolokotronis and Nikitaras.
He returned to Samos to take over the duties of commander again. He organised the islands defences, ready to repel the new efforts of the Turks to invade the island.
An Ottoman fleet under Hosref Pasha appeared arrived on Samos. Lykourgos Logothetis convinced his compatriots that the only way out was to stay and fight to the end. His speech inspired the Samians, who fortified the island effectively. When Khosref tried to land, he met a decisive reaction and was forced to leave.
Every year since then, he was elected governor of Samos.
The castle where he planned his defence strategies was henceforth named the ‘Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis’.
During the reign of Otto in 1836, he received the rank of colonel in the Royal Phalanx. In 1843, he represented Samos as a plenipotentiary in the National Assembly that emerged from the Revolution of September 3 and passed the first Constitution after independence (Constitution of 1844).
Lykourgos Logothetis died on May 22, 1850 in Athens, at the age of 78, “from ossification of the heart valves”, according to his death certificate.
The Oakleigh Grammar School begun the academic year with an Agiasmos, giving students and staff an opportunity to start the new school year with optimism, having received the blessings for a year full of progress and prosperity.
Due to the Victoria’s COVID-19 restrictions, the Holy Communion that took place on Tuesday, February 9 was a little different for each school unit.
On Tuesday morning, the students of the Lyceum had the opportunity to attend the Agiasmos performed by the Most Reverend Bishop of Dervis, Mr. Ezekiel, assisted by the Most Reverend Fr.
Mr. Ezekiel spoke positively about the Oakleigh Grammar School and stressed to the students that it is a blessing to be part of such a large and active community. In addition, the Bishop pointed out to the students how important it is to walk the right paths always close to the church. Finally, he asked the students to work hard on an academic, physical and spiritual level in order to achieve their personal goals and offer remarkable projects to the wider society.
Mr. Ezekiel did not fail to convey the paternal love and blessings of the Archbishop of Australia, Mr. Makarios, who hopes to visit Melbourne and the Oakleigh Grammar School in the near future.
The Agiasmos was also attended by Christos Damatopoulos, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Oakleigh Grammar School, and Treasurer Sotiris Vassos.
After the end of the Holy Communion, the Principal of the school, Mark Robertson, hosted in his office Mr. Ezekiel as well as the members of the Administrative Committee. The leaders of the student body, Evangelia Athanasaki and Alexander Logan, had the opportunity to talk with the Most Reverend Bishop of Dervis and to give him a souvenir gift from the school.
Shortly before noon, the Most Reverend Fr. George Adamakis visited the elementary school to bless the young students.
Emmy-winning Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon is creating a new original animated series set in ancient Greece.
Part of a new animation deal from Fox Entertainment with Harmon, the currently untitled show will focusing on a family of humans, gods and monsters trying to run one of the world’s first cities.
“Leave it to Dan Harmon to turn the mythos of early Greek civilization into remarkably sharp commentary on today’s politics, celebrity, and pop culture,” Michael Thorn, president of entertainment at Fox, said in a statement obtained by IndieWire.
Photo: Getty Images
He continued: “This project is an incredibly irreverent family comedy as told by one of the town’s most inventive storytellers.
“We are proud to be partnered with Dan on this series, which strengthens our hold on the animation space and, as we continue to build Fox Entertainment, marks an important first step for us with our first fully owned scripted property.”
Harmon’s show ‘Rick and Morty’ became an instant cult classic after it’s release in 2013. The show focuses on the wild adventures between scientist Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty. The series has won two primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday announced a full lockdown in the capital Athens to curb a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
The new restrictions in Athens, where half of the country’s population of 11 million lives, include the closure of non-essential shops and schools from Feb. 11 until the end of the month, Mitsotakis said in a televised address to the nation.
Authorities registered 1,526 infections on Tuesday, more than double the number recorded a day earlier – half of them in the wider Athens area, with COVID-19 related deaths reaching 6,017 since the coronavirus was first detected.
The Prime Minister added that the new measures will be further specified by those in charge tomorrow Wednesday.
“The goal is to always be one step ahead of the virus. And this tactic was effective in the last ban in January,” Mitsotakis said.
Photo: Reuters
“Today, however, the danger is reappearing. Not in the form of thousands of sick and deaths, as in other European countries, but with two facts that worry us greatly.
“On the one hand, the increase of hospitalizations in Attica where the health structures are gradually filling up. And, on the other hand, the mutations of the virus that seem to accelerate it’s transmissibility.”
Greece has administered more than 400,000 inoculations so far with the Pfizer/BionTech and Moderna vaccines and is due to start vaccinating people aged 60-64 with the AstraZeneca shots on Feb. 15.
Referring to the ongoing vaccination program, Mitsotakis said that “we know that from April we will be in much better position. But now we must prevent the danger.”
Thanasi Kokkinakis couldn’t help but break into tears after beating Kwon Soon-woo 6-4 6-1 6-1, claiming his first Australian Open win since 2015.
The 24-year-old has had a turbulent past few years, facing glandular fever and constant muscle injuries. The Greek Australian revealed last year the hard tole that quarantine took on him, yet still managed to hold on and commit his life to tennis.
Kokkinakis played sensationally after over a year of no professional tournament experience. The Greek Australian delivered a hard forearm and used his stamina to out-pace his South Korean opponent, winning six of seven break points. Also landing 19 aces, he defeated the Soon-woo in one hour and 33 minutes.
Thanasi Kokkinakis. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)
After claiming the third straight set, with the victory, he was overwhelmed with emotion.
“At 5-0 (in the third set), obviously I didn’t want to think about the finish line, but I thought about it,” he said.
Kokkinakis will face Stefanos Tsitsipas, who also won in three straight sets, in the next round of the Australian Open.
“We practiced a few years ago in the past, I’ve met his family… Obviously both being Greek we get along. But yeah it’s going to be exciting,” Kokkinakis said in a press conference following Tsitsipas’ match.
Stefanos Tsitsipas took a convincing victory in the first round of the Australian Open, defeating Frenchman Gilles Simon 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.
A strong, yet COVID-safe, crowd was present tonight as Tsitsipas put his best work on display for the opening round.
The Greek kicked off the match with two break points to get a five-game lead above his competitor in the first set. An incredible performance by the Greek, he managed to take the first set 6-1.
A game of long rallies, increased stamina seemed to be a strong benefit in the match.
The two tennis professionals played game for game as the match continued into the second set, with the Frenchman adding a bit of flair to his shots on occasion. Applauded for his determination witnessed in the match, the power of Tsitsipas’ shots was too much for Simon at times in the second set. The Greek went two sets up after one hour.
The third set came and went as the Greek continued his strong run of form. Simons had a few opportunities to come back and hopefully turn the tide of the match, yet critical missed opportunities ultimately costed the Frenchman on the day.
Tsitsipas will face Greek Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in what will be a highly anticipated second round. Sakkari will unfortunately not be going into round 2 with the Greeks after a surprise upset against Kristina Mladenovic.
Asked if he was surprised at the scoreline, Tsitsipas said he didn’t expect it to be “so easy”.
“I clearly played a spectacular match… I don’t know what else to say,” Tsitsipas said in the post match interview, clearly trying to be as modest as possible, but failing humorously.
“They provide so much support and give so much positive energy.”
“Melbournians are very welcoming people and this is probably one of the best events in the world.”
To be a proud Hellene, one is to be proud of the ancient language! The Greek language is one of the most influential languages in Western culture, with its importance being partnered with its ancient roots and modern use.
In celebration of International Greek Language Day on February 9, The Greek Herald spoke exclusively with Meg Smith, who many Greek Australian community members will recognise as the pioneering force in the safety of the Greek Language Program at La Trobe University.
Meg was driven to learn Greek in 2017, when her pappou tragically passed away. During the funeral service, she felt heartbroken that she couldn’t understand many of the stories that were told by old family and friends in Greek.
“I always had a wonderful relationship with my pappou,” Meg said to The Greek Herald.
“He was one of my greatest friends and he understood me so well, but we never spoke the same language. So I almost felt jealous that all these people knew him in a way that I didn’t know him.
“So I thought, no, I need to learn how to speak Greek. I have the same relationship with my yiayia and I want to be able to communicate with her in Greek so I can hear all of her stories about where she grew up, where we come from, and what prompted her to migrate to Australia.”
Meg Smith on a holiday to Greece. Photo: Supplied
Being in Year 12 at the time, Meg Googled Greek language university courses and came across the La Trobe Greek Language Program.
“What really attracted me to La Trobe was that it has a beginning stream, an intermediate stream and advanced stream. So I wouldn’t start with people who are already fluent. I would start with people who already didn’t know the alphabet, just like me. So it was perfect.”
The La Trobe Greek Language Program is the only Modern Greek program that offers three levels of Greek learning at a university level. In late 2020, Meg Smith and other members of the La Trobe Greek Language Society worked with the Greek Community of Melbourne to ensure its survivability.
Entering her third year and final semester, Meg said she also plans to do Honours in Modern Greek.
“After my first semester in 2019, I realized not only is this improving my relationship with my family, it’s also my passion. I really love to learn and I also am finding so much out about my culture and my family.”
“I took a chance on learning Greek and it just turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
To Meg, a connection with her family is the most important thing to uphold. Much of her pappou’s family still resides in Greece and while other families now engage with relatives via social media, Meg decided to take up the artform of letter writing.
“I write letters to my pappou’s brother who lives in Greece and my yiayia’s first cousin who also lives in Greece. And because my boyfriend is Greek and he didn’t learn how to speak Greek growing up, I help him write letters to his relatives in Greece as well.”
In honour of International Greek Language Day, The Greek Herald asked Meg exactly why it is so important to hold on to the Greek language in Australia.
“It was actually a poem by Cavafy that made me realise this: That if we lose our language, the Greek people of Australia have so many traditions and we will forget why we do them.”
