Maria Sakkari: The Journey of a Greek Tennis Star
Maria Sakkari is one of the most prominent figures in global tennis, a Greek athlete who has won the hearts of fans with her determination, talent, and aggressive playing style. Born in Athens, she became the highest-ranked Greek tennis player in history, reaching the world No. 3 spot in the WTA rankings in 2022. This article explores Sakkari’s life, career, and achievements, highlighting her rise in the sport and her impact on Greek tennis.
Early Life and Introduction to Tennis
A Childhood in Athens
Maria Sakkari was born on July 25, 1995, in Athens, Greece, into a family deeply connected to tennis. Her mother, Angelikí Kanellopoúlou, was a professional tennis player who reached the top 50 in the world, while her grandfather, Dimitris Kanellopoulos, also competed professionally. Growing up in an environment where tennis was a way of life shaped Maria’s destiny from an early age. She began playing at six, encouraged by her parents, who recognized her athletic potential and passion for the sport.
Influences and Idols
During her childhood, Maria admired tennis greats like Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. These idols inspired her playing style, which blends physical strength, technical precision, and a competitive mindset. Sakkari often cites clay as her favorite surface, but she also excels on hard courts, where her power and movement shine.
Move to Barcelona
At 18, Maria made a bold decision: she moved to Barcelona, Spain, to train at one of the world’s most renowned tennis academies. This move was a turning point in her career, allowing her to hone her skills in a highly competitive environment. Far from home, she developed not only her technique but also her mental resilience, qualities that would become hallmarks of her game.
Rise in the Professional Circuit
First Steps in Professional Tennis
Maria Sakkari turned professional in 2015, but her journey to the top was gradual. In her early years, she competed in smaller tournaments, building experience and confidence. Her first major breakthrough came in 2017 when she reached the semifinals of the Wuhan Open, defeating Caroline Wozniacki, a top-10 player at the time, for her first victory against an elite opponent.
First Title in Rabat
In 2019, Maria claimed her first WTA singles title at the Rabat tournament in Morocco. Her campaign was impressive: she didn’t drop a set until the final, where she defeated Johanna Konta 2-6, 6-4, 6-1. This victory marked a turning point, establishing her as one of the rising stars in women’s tennis.
Grand Slam Semifinals
The year 2021 was historic for Sakkari. She reached her first Grand Slam semifinal at Roland Garros, defeating players like Katarina Zavatska, Jasmine Paolini, Elise Mertens, Sofia Kenin, and the defending champion, Iga Świątek. Despite losing to Barbora Krejčíková in the semifinal, even with a match point, Maria made history as the first Greek woman to reach a Grand Slam semifinal. Later that year, she repeated the feat at the US Open, defeating Karolína Plíšková to reach the semifinals but fell to the young Emma Raducanu, who went on to win the title.
Playing Style and Strengths
An Aggressive and Versatile Game
Maria Sakkari is known for her aggressive and versatile playing style, blending power and consistency. Her serve is one of her greatest weapons, among the strongest in the women’s game. In 2020, she finished as the sixth player with the most aces in the WTA, with 144 aces in 31 matches. Her groundstrokes, particularly her forehand and backhand, are precise and powerful, allowing her to dominate points on both fast and slow courts.
Physical Conditioning and Mindset
Beyond her technical skills, Sakkari is recognized for her exceptional physical conditioning. Her endurance and speed on the court make her a formidable opponent, capable of sustaining long rallies and pressuring her rivals. Her competitive mindset is also a key strength: she is known for her determination and ability to bounce back from tough losses, as demonstrated after her 2023 US Open defeat when she returned stronger to win in Guadalajara.
Notable Achievements
Historic Title in Guadalajara
In 2023, Maria Sakkari achieved a historic milestone by winning the Guadalajara Open, her first WTA 1000 title. During the tournament, she defeated players like Camila Giorgi, Emiliana Arango, Caroline Garcia, and Caroline Dolehide in the final. This victory was particularly significant, as it ended a streak of six lost WTA finals, solidifying her status as one of the world’s top players. The title also marked the first time a Greek player won a tournament of this level.
Top 10 Entry and World Ranking
In September 2021, Sakkari became the first Greek woman to enter the WTA top 10, reaching No. 10. In March 2022, she climbed to No. 3, matching Stefanos Tsitsipas as the highest-ranked Greek tennis player in history. These achievements highlight her consistency and impact on the sport.
WTA Finals Participation
Sakkari also made history by qualifying for the WTA Finals in 2021 and 2022, becoming the first Greek player to reach this elite tournament. Although she didn’t win the title, her participation reinforced her place among the world’s best, competing against players like Iga Świątek and Caroline Garcia.
Personal Life and Impact Off the Court
Family and Relationships
Maria Sakkari maintains strong ties with her family. Besides her mother, Angelikí, and grandfather, Dimitris, she has two siblings, Yannis and Amanda. Yannis studies at Boston University, while Amanda is also involved in tennis. Outside her family, Maria is in a relationship with Konstantinos Mitsotakis, son of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Konstantinos has been a source of support, often accompanying her to tournaments and helping her maintain emotional balance.
Residence in Monte Carlo
Maria currently lives in Monte Carlo, a popular hub for professional tennis players due to its excellent training facilities and tax benefits. Her move to Monte Carlo reflects her commitment to her career, but she maintains a strong connection to Greece, returning whenever possible to spend time with friends and family.
Inspiration for Greece
As one of Greece’s greatest athletes, Sakkari is an inspiration to young tennis players in the country. Her rise, alongside Stefanos Tsitsipas, has put Greek tennis on the global map. In 2020 and 2021, she was named Greece’s Female Athlete of the Year, recognizing her impact both on and off the court. Maria has also participated in charitable events, such as the 2022 “Tennis Plays for Peace” exhibition alongside stars like Rafael Nadal and Iga Świątek, aimed at raising funds for humanitarian causes.
Challenges and Resilience
Overcoming Defeats
Sakkari’s career has not been without challenges. In 2023, she suffered a surprising first-round loss at the US Open to Rebeka Masarova, which led her to consider taking a break from tennis. However, her response was remarkable: weeks later, she won the Guadalajara title, showcasing her ability to recover from difficult moments.
Work with Coaches
Sakkari has worked with coach Tom Hill for much of her career, with a brief hiatus in 2024 when she collaborated with Raemon Sluiter. In April 2025, she reunited with Hill, describing him as a “brother” and emphasizing their mutual trust. This relationship has been crucial to her success, helping her return to the top of her game.
2024 Season and Future Prospects
2024 Performance
The 2024 season was solid but had its ups and downs. Maria reached the final of the Indian Wells Open but lost to Iga Świątek. She also made the semifinals in Charleston and advanced to the fourth round in Madrid and Rome. However, she faced unexpected losses, such as in the first round of Roland Garros to Varvara Gracheva and at the US Open. Despite these setbacks, her consistency in high-level tournaments demonstrates her competitiveness.
Goals for 2025
At 30 years old, Maria Sakkari remains determined to reach new heights. Her goal is to win a Grand Slam title and solidify her place in the world’s top 5. With her combination of talent, hard work, and support from her team, she is well-positioned to continue making history.
Maria Sakkari’s Legacy
Maria Sakkari is not just a talented tennis player but also a symbol of perseverance and national pride. Her journey from Athens to the global tennis stage inspires athletes worldwide. With two WTA titles, including a WTA 1000, and Grand Slam semifinals, she has already left an indelible mark on the sport. As she continues to compete, Sakkari carries the hopes of a nation and the dream of achieving even more.
