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

Sydney hosts formal reception for Greece’s new Consul General and Trade Commissioner

People gathered in Sydney’s CBD to welcome Greece’s new Consul General George Skemperis and Trade Commissioner Christina Stefanidou.

Greek Consulate in Sydney to overhaul services amid backlog concerns

Greece’s Consul General in Sydney, George Skemperis, has announced a series of measures aimed at improving consular services.

Cyprus Community of NSW voices concern as Middle East tensions place island on the frontline

The Cyprus Community of New South Wales has expressed deep concern following escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Melbourne real estate agent Spiro Kardamitsis wins case against Nelson Alexander

Melbourne real estate agent Spiro Kardamitsis has successfully defended himself against Nelson Alexander at the Victorian Supreme Court.

Victoria Police seek public help to locate Badelis Kotsopoulos

Victoria Police are appealing for assistance in locating 37-year-old Badelis Kotsopoulos, wanted on a warrant for fraud-related offences.

You May Also Like

A rare painting exhibition by European Hellenes debuts in Thessaloniki

The Teloglion Fine Arts Foundation in Thessaloniki opened a rare exhibition of paintings by 19th-century European Philhellenes.

Greece relaxes restrictions as country passes 25,000 COVID death milestone

Greece will ease its coronavirus restrictions on Saturday as the number of virus-related deaths in the country surpassed 25,000 on Wednesday.

Steph Kyriacou cashes in $112,000 before setting sights on LPGA tour

Rising Australian golf star, Steph Kyriacou, has ended her Ladies European Tour season by banking a 70,000 euro ($112,000) windfall.