Greek Australian fans came out in droves last night to support Maria Sakkari in her opening match at the Australian Open.
Around the arena were countless Greek flags, blue-and-white jerseys, and boisterous chanting for Sakkari. 12-year-old fan James Moutsios told Neos Kosmos before the match that he was proud to cheer her on: “I wear my jersey to embrace my ethnicity and support Greece … I was excited to see Tsitsipas, but he’s out. I’m very excited to see Sakkari now.”
The crowd rivalled that of a football match in what was a very close game; Camila Osorio came in strong and confident, winning the first set 6-4.
Sakkari played the second set with more hunger — bringing it to a tiebreaker. At 3-1 during the tiebreak, Osorio slipped and fell. She jumped up and kept playing, but lost the set to Sakkari 6-7 (4-7).
Post match, Sakkari said “I have never seen her fall like that.”
During the strong second set, Greek fans grew louder. One all-male cheer squad caught the attention of Sakkari, after chanting her name well into her serving time. She had words with both the umpire and the squad, appearing frustrated and distracted.
In her post match media conference when asked by a Greek journalist about her frustration with fans she indicated her deep appreciation for the support but felt that political chants were out of place.
“I don’t think there’s a reason now for someone to come and see Maria Sakkari and shout slogans, I mean I really appreciate that they [fans] come so organised and try to encourage, but I think it has to stop where we all know it should. I think some things are a little unnecessary for such a great atmosphere that was so nice.”
Greek and Colombian fans were both roaring during the third set, as the players went point for point until Osorio claimed her victory with a final score of 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4.
“[Osorio] really played the game of her life,” said Sakkari.
Pouring out of the stadium after the disappointing loss, Greek fans remained positive. A group of boys wearing Greek flags on their shoulders agreed “it’s disappointing, she had too many double faults! It’s a shame Tsitsipas and Sakkari are now both out, but we’ll see how Kokkinakis goes.”
One young fan said wearing the Greek colours means he’s signalling to his fellow ‘Greek army’: “I know there will be a lot of other Greek fans here, and once we’re in the stadium we share the moment [together].”
All hope is pinned on Kokkinakis now, set to play British player Jack Draper tonight at 7pm.
