Maria Sakkari Bio
Maria Sakkari is a Greek professional tennis player who has achieved a career-high ranking of No. 3 in the world. She is recognized for her aggressive playing style and has won two singles titles on the WTA Tour, including a significant WTA 1000 title at the Guadalajara Open in 2023. With a deep family connection to tennis, Sakkari began playing at the age of six and currently resides in Monte Carlo while being in a relationship with Konstantinos Mitsotakis.
Early Life and Background
Maria Sakkari was born on 25 July 1995 in Athens, Greece, to Angelikí Kanellopoúlou, a former top-50 tennis player, and Konstantinos Sakkaris. She has two siblings, a brother named Yannis and a sister named Amanda. Her grandfather, Dimitris Kanellopoulos, was also a professional tennis player, which contributed to her early exposure to the sport. Sakkari was introduced to tennis by her parents at the age of six and moved to Barcelona at the age of eighteen to further her training. She has expressed a preference for hard and clay surfaces, with her favorite shot being the serve. Growing up, she admired tennis legends such as Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.
Path to Tennis
Maria Sakkari’s journey in professional tennis began with her attempts to qualify for the WTA Tour. Her first two attempts were unsuccessful, but she made her debut at the US Open after qualifying. This achievement marked her entry into the top 200 for the first time, reaching a ranking of 185. Over the next few years, Sakkari gradually improved her skills and ranking, culminating in her first notable WTA Tour semifinal at the 2017 Wuhan Open, where she defeated Caroline Wozniacki. This victory was significant as it showcased her potential and propelled her into the top 50 of the WTA rankings.
Maria Sakkari Career
Early Career (2015–2016)
Maria Sakkari turned professional in 2015 and faced challenges in her early career, including unsuccessful attempts to qualify for various tournaments. However, she made her breakthrough by qualifying for the US Open, where she reached the main draw for the first time. Throughout 2016, she continued to compete on the ITF Circuit and WTA Challenger Tour, gradually improving her ranking. By the end of 2016, she reached a ranking of 97, marking her entry into the top 100.
Breakthrough (2017–2019)
Sakkari’s breakthrough came in 2017 when she reached the third round of the Australian Open and made her first WTA Tour semifinal at the Wuhan Open. Her performance at the US Open that year further solidified her reputation as a rising star in women’s tennis. In 2018, she reached her first WTA Tour final at the San Jose Classic, where she finished as the runner-up. Sakkari’s consistency continued in 2019, as she captured her first career title at the Morocco Open and reached the semifinals at the Italian Open.
Notable Works and Milestones
Maria Sakkari’s signature work includes her impressive performance at the 2021 French Open, where she reached the semifinals, becoming the first Greek woman to achieve this milestone. Additionally, she won her first WTA 1000 title at the Guadalajara Open in 2023, marking a significant achievement in her career.
Maria Sakkari Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Maria Sakkari has received several nominations for her outstanding performances in tennis, reflecting her status as one of the top players in the sport.
Maria Sakkari Awards Won
Maria Sakkari has won notable awards, including the title of Greek Female Athlete of the Year for the years 2020 and 2021, recognizing her contributions to Greek sports and her achievements on the international stage.
Maria Sakkari Family
Maria Sakkari comes from a family with a rich tennis background. Her mother, Angelikí Kanellopoúlou, was a professional player, and her grandfather also played tennis at a professional level. She has two siblings, which adds to her supportive family environment.
Personal Life
Maria Sakkari is currently in a relationship with Konstantinos Mitsotakis, who is the son of the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. She maintains a private life outside of her professional career, focusing on her sport and philanthropic efforts. Sakkari is also involved in charity work, serving as an ambassador for the association DESMOS, which supports vulnerable social groups in Greece.
