Maria Sakkari
Maria Sakkari is a Greek professional tennis player.
In February 2020 Maria reached her career-high when she was ranked No: 20 in the WTA singles. She was introduced to tennis by her parents at the age of 6 and moved to Barcelona when she was 18 to hone her skills at the Portas Academy. Growing up, her favorite players were Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Maria is one of the most promising tennis players, not only in Greece, but internationally.
We met with Maria in Athens and we had a very interesting conversation about sports, her life, the pandemic and of course tennis!
Photo Source: Vogue Greece. Photography: Yiorgos Kaplanidis
If you weren't playing tennis for a living, what would you be doing?
Well that’s off to a great conversation, :) I am very sharp, so I wouldn’t be limited in sports, but I think I would be an athlete no matter what. Since I was little, I was very athletic, very focused, so I think that being an athlete suits me the most. I haven’t really thought of that, since my career is in a very good point, I am very focused on my career so I think that even if I would be an athlete on another sport, I wouldn’t be a champion.
As we know, your mother used to be a very successful tennis player, is there a connection to why you chose to follow on her tennis shoes?
of course It’s in my DNA :)... I was very athletic as a kid and that I loved tennis and my family’s support contributed to my career choice…
Who has been your most important supporter throughout the years? Who’s the first person you will share your success and happiness and why?
My family of course, all of them, but the first person I talk after the match is my mom.
How does it feel to be 25 and yet so successful? How do you handle success and fame?
It was really tough on the beginning, when I was starting going out and people would recognize me it was odd, but now I am really used to it, it’s something I really enjoy, spreading happiness and seeing that people support me and they are proud of me, but I have my friends who really help me understand that what I do needs a great amount of balance in and out of the tennis court, so I am trying to be humble.
What’s the most hurtful comment you’ve heard about the press and the most charming?
I do receive comments from people who think they know about tennis, but they don’t, and they actually just sit in a computer judging me or saying I will never be on top, well I prove them wrong cause I am on the top. I can’t say I have a special charming message, but the most special thing is the love that I get after a match, the messages I get from people I don’t know saying they are proud of me and the love I get when I walk on the streets.
What has been your most difficult time in your career so far? Have you ever considered stopping tennis?
When I was 14, I was feeling a lot of pressure for the coach I had back then, it was very difficult for me, I told him I wanted to stop playing, but I lasted for 24 hours and then I stared missing tennis.
How much did your life changed since Covid-19 made its appearance? How do you react to the travel restrictions each time and how much they have affected you?
Obviously, this pandemic affected everyone, including me. For almost six months during the worldwide lockdown, we didn’t have any tournaments, I didn’t practice, it was a very nice break to enjoy some quality time with my siblings and parents, since due to my exhausting practices I didn’t have time to see them, but when I stared traveling again and practices stared again I was really happy to be back. Traveling is still weird, because I have to wear my mask all the time and testing myself frequently for Covid. Overall, I fell blessed to be back, even with some restrictions.
How does it feel to play without audience? Do you feel less confident about yourself or more focused?
I think it’s incredible to play in full arenas, but I am very focused whether there is an audience or not. I mean it was strange at the begging but know I am totally focused on winning, and nothing can change that.
You are a strong woman, and a role model for all women around the world, what is your view of sexism in sport?
Sexism is a phenomenon faced worldwide, and of course it effects tennis too, but as a female athlete I do my best to win the games. I think that overall we are coming to a place where men and women athletes are really recognized as equal.
What advice would you give to the young Maria, who’s ready to play her first match?
I was very strict with myself, I wouldn’t let myself make mistakes, so I would tell myself to enjoy life a little bit more. Now that I am 25, I know that the key to success is to enjoy what you are doing.
And last but not least, what’s your motto in life?
I really like a phrase that Giannis Antetokounmpo once said, always want more, but never be greedy, and you know, as a professional athlete I always want more, but I am always proud of myself and feel blessed for what I have accomplished.
Images Courtesy of Maria Sakkari
You can follow Maria on Instagram at @mariasakkari
