Maria Sakkari
Maria Sakkari: Greek Tennis Star and Rising Superstar
Personal Information
- Name: Maria Sakkari
- Date of Birth: July 25, 1995
- Place of Birth: Athens, Greece
- Nationality: Greek
- Height: 1.82 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs)
- Playing Style: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
- Career Earnings: Over $10 million
Professional Career
- Turned professional: 2012
- Highest WTA Ranking: World No. 3 (March 2022)
- Career Titles: 1 WTA singles title (2019 Morocco Open)
- Grand Slam Best Results: Semifinals (2021 French Open)
- Fed Cup Appearances: 12 (2012-2022)
Maria Sakkari is a Greek professional tennis player who has established herself as one of the most promising players on the WTA Tour. Known for her aggressive baseline play and powerful serve, Sakkari has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years, reaching the top 10 in the world rankings and making deep runs at Grand Slam tournaments.
Early Life and Tennis Background
Born in Athens, Greece, Maria Sakkari grew up in a family of tennis enthusiasts. Her father, Apostolos Sakkaris, was a professional tennis player who competed in the Davis Cup for Greece. From a young age, Maria showed a natural talent for the game and began training at the Athens Lawn Tennis Club.
Junior Career
As a junior player, Sakkari made a name for herself by winning the European Junior Championships in 2011 and reaching the quarterfinals of the Junior Wimbledon Championships in the same year. These impressive results earned her a wildcard entry into the main draw of the 2012 French Open, where she made her Grand Slam debut.
Professional Career
Sakkari turned professional in 2012 and quickly began climbing the WTA rankings. In 2015, she achieved her first WTA final appearance at the Monterrey Open in Mexico, but ultimately fell short of the title. However, her breakthrough came in 2019 when she won her maiden WTA title at the Morocco Open, becoming the first Greek player to win a WTA singles title since Eleni Daniilidou in 2002.
Sakkari's impressive performances continued in 2020 and 2021, as she reached the semifinals of the French Open in 2021 and the quarterfinals of the US Open in 2020. These results propelled her to a career-high ranking of World No. 3 in March 2022, making her the highest-ranked Greek tennis player in history.
Playing Style
Maria Sakkari is known for her aggressive baseline play, powerful serve, and strong forehand. She is also a skilled defender and has the ability to hit winners from both wings. Her tactical awareness and ability to adapt her game to different opponents make her a formidable competitor on the WTA Tour.
Career Highlights
- Semifinals of the French Open (2021)
- Quarterfinals of the US Open (2020)
- Winner of the Morocco Open (2019)
- WTA Finals appearance (2021)
- Highest WTA Ranking: World No. 3 (March 2022)
- Fed Cup appearances for Greece (2012-2022)
Personal Life
Outside of tennis, Maria Sakkari is known for her outgoing personality and sense of humor. She is fluent in Greek, English, and Spanish and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Sakkari is also an active philanthropist and has worked with various organizations to support social causes.
Looking Ahead
At just 27 years old, Maria Sakkari has already established herself as one of the top players in women's tennis. With her aggressive playing style, tactical awareness, and unwavering determination, Sakkari has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the years to come. As she continues to gain experience and improve her game, Sakkari is poised to challenge for Grand Slam titles and further cement her legacy as one of the most successful Greek tennis players of all time.
