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

Philoptochos Society of St Nicholas visits Archbishop Makarios for New Year blessings

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia welcomed members of the Philoptochos Society from the Parish of Saint Nicholas, Marrickville.

Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney rings in 2026 with memorable NYE celebration

The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney and NSW welcomed 2026 in style at Mytilenian House in Canterbury on Wednesday, December 31.

Cyprus Community of NSW marks the 2026 Cyprus EU Presidency

2026 marks more than a new year; it signifies the second occasion on which the Republic of Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council.

Sydney Harbour cruise launches 44th Cretan Federation Convention

The 44th National Cretan Federation Convention was officially launched in Sydney on Friday, January 2, with a four-hour harbour cruise.

Greek restaurant Avli closes permanently after second run

Greek eatery Avli has permanently closed its Cranebrook restaurant, marking the end of its second run since first opening in 2017.

You May Also Like

The love story behind the name of Cafe 959 in Kogarah

“When we came up with Café 959, we knew that it meant something to us. It’s close to our hearts," Marissa Andrew said to The Greek Herald.

Athens international airport reaches net zero 25 years ahead of aviation goals

AIA has completed its Route 2025 initiative, achieving Net Zero emissions in 2025-25 years earlier than the global aviation sector’s target.

Greek police officers investigated for dealing false IDs to criminals abroad

Six police officers and 27 other people are under investigation in a major passport fraud case that included issuing Greek state identity documents