Maria Sakkari on hard quarantine in Australia: ‘I’m super grateful’

·

Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari has “nothing to complain about” while undergoing hard quarantine in Melbourne, applauding the attitude of Australians during the pandemic.

Speaking to 3AW, Sakkari said that she, along with every other tennis player who arrived in Melbourne, understood the risks that were associated with arriving in the country safe.

“[There was] six months of strict lockdown here in Melbourne,” she said. 

“We knew the risks coming here, we knew the frustration, we knew its up to the government so I totally understand.”

“Seriously, there is nothing to complain about.”

Sakkari, ranked 22nd in the world, was on board a chartered flight that forced 47 Australian Open players, now 72 players, into quarantine, following a member of the flight testing positive to COVID-19. The players are currently spending a total of 14 days in quarantine, unable to leave their hotel rooms.

Unlike tennis players Novak Djokovic and Roberto Bautista Agut, Sakkari has been enjoying her time in isolation, even ordering Greek takeout to her hotel room to make it feel more at home.

“You have to keep a positive mentality, that’s the key,” she told Neil Mitchell on 3AW Mornings.

“I’m super fine, and my friends are also doing well, and they are also in strict lockdown here, so I have to say that most of the people here are not complaining about it.”

Maria Sakkari showing how she works out in hotel quarantine. Photo: Maria Sakkari Instagram

World No.1 Novak Djokovic received slack for presenting six ‘outrageous’ demands, one of which being a request for the players to be moved to private houses with a tennis court to facilitate training. Australian player Nick Kyrgios labelled the World No. 1 as a “tool”.

Sakkari concluded her interview with 3AW by saying Australians are the “nicest people we have ever met” and is grateful to be participating in the tournament.

“I’m so grateful that you guys allowed us to come into your country while you were not allowing anyone else to come in and you guys are the nicest people that we have met,” said the Greek sportswoman.

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Latest News

Mediterranean diet health benefits update with new info

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet have earned it widespread fame, from social media and TV to cookbooks and...

Rare 3rd millennium BC burial discovered during excavations in Rafina, Attica

A highly significant Early Bronze Age pithos burial, dating from 3200 to 2000 BC, has been uncovered in Rafina.

Greece rolls out digital passport system to speed up applications and boost security

Greece has introduced a new digital platform that modernises the way passport applications are processed.

From Kythera to Boston: The Greek pianist setting fire to classical music

Kyriakopoulos has already carved out a career that places him amongst the most promising Greek pianists with international acclaim.

John Doulgeridis’ Carlisle Homes among Australia’s quiet profit giants

John Doulgeridis is among a new wave of reclusive entrepreneurs whose success has only recently been quantified.

You May Also Like

From Melbourne to Athens: Thematikos completes three-part Greek myth series

Fragrance brand Thematikos successfully opened its third installment of a three-part art series inspired by Greek myths in Athens.

Vaughn Arambatzis: Meet the Georges River Council’s Young Citizen of the Year

15-year-old Vaughn (Vaio) Arambatzis from Sydney has been named one of two Young Citizens of the Year for Georges River Council.

Kiki Tsakaldimi: The first Greek woman who attempted to conquer Mt Everest

Kiki Tsakaldimi, the fisrt ever Greek woman to attempt to climb Mt Everest, talks to The Greek Herald about her journey to the top.