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

Unley event honours Greek language as cornerstone of identity and heritage

The Greek Australian community gathered in South Australia for an afternoon tea this past weekend to mark UNESCO World Greek Language Day.

Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne re-elects leadership at AGM

The Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, 15 March 2026.

Canberra Greek community hears proposal to transfer St Nicholas Church land to Archdiocese

Around 200 community members gathered in Canberra to discuss a proposal that could see St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church become a Cathedral.

Eugenia Mitrakas on rebalancing the scales for women and migrants

The scales of justice are not just a phrase — they are a powerful symbol rooted in Greek thought and part of our shared Hellenic heritage.

Sydney honours Eleftherios Venizelos with solemn 90th anniversary memorial

On Sunday, March 15, there was a solemn memorial service to mark the 90th anniversary of the great statesman, Eleftherios Venizelos.

You May Also Like

Greek Australians living in Athens reminisce Christmas in Melbourne

Greek Australians Arthur Antonopoulos and Elly Symons reminisce Christmas in Melbourne and talk about the festive season in Greece.

New investigators appointed to Cypriot Australian Thanasis Nicolaou’s murder case

The government of the Republic of Cyprus has appointed independent investigators into the murder of Cypriot Australian Thanasis Nicolaou.

Peter Makrillos signs with Macarthur FC

The Macarthur Bulls have signed central midfielder Peter Makrillos until the end of the 2024/2025 Isuzu UTE A-League season.