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

‘Top dollar’ Easter seafood as Australia-EU deal boosts exports to Europe

Australians are being warned to expect higher seafood prices this Easter as demand rises and exports expand under the new Australia-EU FTA.

Five Greek microsatellites successfully launched into orbit aboard SpaceX rocket

Five Greek microsatellites were successfully launched into orbit on Monday aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California.

‘Days ahead may not be easy’: Albanese gives rare national address amid fuel crisis

PM Anthony Albanese has urged Australians to use public transport where possible and conserve fuel as the global oil crisis continues.

‘Your pain is real’: Marina Kyriakou’s fight to change the future of endometriosis care

Marina Kyriakou is turning her lived experience with endometriosis into a powerful national voice for women demanding to be heard.

Hellenic Village sale enters critical phase as proceeds and priorities come into focus

Hellenic Village’s land sale moves into a decisive phase, as member organisations weigh how proceeds will shape the community’s future.

You May Also Like

Celebrating women leaders and the legacy of Sofia Mastoris OAM

By Simella Georgiadou On Saturday, March 8, International Women’s Day was commemorated with a heartfelt event at The Patris, a newly opened café in Brunswick, Victoria....

Greek PM reflects on Tempi train tragedy as anniversary approaches

Ahead of the second anniversary of the deadly Tempi train collision, Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed his cabinet on Wednesday.

Shining a spotlight on Greek Australian educators this World Teacher’s Day

For World Teacher's Day, The Greek Herald spoke with two teachers from the Greek community to ask them what they love about teaching.