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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Anthony Parissis’ Funeral Zeibekiko selected for HSC Young Writers’ Showcase

Anthony Parissis has been selected for the 2025 HSC Young Writers’ Showcase for his major work ‘The delicate art of a funeral zeibekiko’.

Liberal MP Evan Mulholland raises alarm in Parliament over threat to Coburg Orthodox church

Evan Mulholland has taken the Coburg church battle to Parliament, demanding action to protect the Greek Orthodox community.

Christmas favourite returns to SA: The 2025 Kalanda brings new energy to a 13-year tradition

The Vergina Greek Women’s Society of the Pan Macedonian Federation of S.A. hosts its 13th Annual Christmas Carols “Kalanda” Afternoon.

Food for Thought Network closes 2025 with AGM and tribute to Theodorakis, Bithikotsis

The Food For Thought Network will close the year with its Annual General Meeting, updating members and friends on its activities.

South Melbourne set for historic Australian Championship grand final against Marconi

A very big day awaits Hellas Melbourne on Saturday, as they will face Marconi in the Grand Final of the Australian Championship.

You May Also Like

Signature lead project ‘The Spheres’ to bring Greek flair to the Brisbane Festival

The Brisbane Festival has announced the first part of its 2022 program and there's a definite Greek flair to its events this year.

Sam Konstas misses out as Australia finalises team for WTC final

Australian batter Sam Konstas has been left out of the starting XI for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.

Everything you need to know about Psihosavato (Saturday of Souls)

Psihosavato, also known as the Saturday of Souls, is a day that members of the Greek Orthodox community gather to pray for the dead.