Sakkari and Putintseva’s feud rolls on with fresh fire ahead of Wimbledon

·

The simmering feud between Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari and Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva has escalated in dramatic fashion ahead of Wimbledon, with fiery exchanges on and off the court.

The tension flared during their recent match at the Bad Homburg Open in Germany, which Sakkari won 7-5, 7-6(6). After the final point, an awkward handshake at the net sparked a verbal confrontation.

Sakkari accused Putintseva of disrespect, saying: “Respect me like a human being,” and later twice told her rival, “Nobody likes you.” Putintseva responded sarcastically, performing a theatrical bow and retorting: “I was being like a human being. Look at yourself.”

The chair umpire eventually stepped in with a firm “Ladies, please,” as tensions boiled over.

Days later, Putintseva reignited the drama on Instagram, posting a cryptic message: “By the way – not that I care – I shook her hand as most women do. Clearly not according to the ‘hugging protocol’ some men seem to follow.”

In another post, she shared a reel showing Sakkari not making eye contact during past handshakes with Martina Trevisan and Emma Raducanu, captioned, “And the plot thickens,” alongside a clown emoji.

Speaking after the match, Sakkari was unfazed: “I don’t think she’s going to invite me for dinner for the rest of our lives… but I don’t care, to be honest; I have very good friends.”

Putintseva is no stranger to controversy. At the 2024 US Open, she was criticised by tennis legends Boris Becker and Rennae Stubbs for what was seen as disrespectful behaviour toward a ball girl. Though she later apologised, she also criticised the backlash, writing: “It’s kind of scary the way the world can judge someone from just a 3 second video.”

Both players are set to compete in the Wimbledon singles draw, with the tournament kicking off next Monday.

Source: nine.com.au

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece wins historic Women’s Water Polo World Championship gold

Greece secured a historic gold medal at the 2025 Women’s Water Polo World Championships, defeating Hungary 12-9 in the final.

‘A modern saint’: Tributes flow for much-loved Father Nektarios Zorbalas

An outpouring of love and remembrance has followed the recent passing of Archimandrite Father Nektarios Zorbalas.

Beloved Greek Orthodox priest Father Nektarios Zorbalas passes away

Revered Sydney priest and tireless humanitarian, Father Nektarios Zorbalas, passed away today after a period of declining health.

A legacy unfolds: The 30th Greek Film Festival announces dates for 2025

The Greek Communities of NSW and Melbourne announced the highly anticipated return of the 30th Greek Film Festival of Australia.

Steve Georganas MP meets Mayor of Athens to advance Adelaide Sister City talks

Steve Georganas MP recently met with the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas to discuss the Sister City concept between Adelaide and Athens.

You May Also Like

Scott Morrison releases “opinion” statement on bushfires and climate change

The Prime Minister released a statement after meeting the families of Geoff and Andrew - two firefighters who lost their lives during the bushfires.

Paul Nicolaou criticises Sydney’s fare-free Monday after rail chaos

Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou has criticised the NSW government’s decision to offer fare-free travel on Monday.

Peter Konidaris among eight individuals to exit PwC amid tax leak scandal

Eight individuals, including Peter Konidaris, will exit the consulting giant PwC over their involvement in a tax leak scandal.