Hella Good, sister venue of the CBD’s iconic Stalactites has partnered with tennis stars Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari to bring hungry fans at this year’s Australian Open an extra helping of Greek delights through their pop-up store at the tournament’s Western Courts area.
Proceeds from sales of ‘The Stef’ gyro and ‘The Sakkari Snack Pack’ named after the two champs, are being donated in their entirety to the Australian Tennis Foundation in an initiative designed to provide young kids from disadvantaged backgrounds with the means to dive head first into their love of the sport.
The Official Charity of Tennis Australia and the Australian Open, the Australian Tennis Foundation uses tennis as a vehicle to reduce social disadvantage and increase social cohesion through sport.
Speaking with reporters on Saturday 14 outside the Hella Good pop-up opposite Margaret Court Arena, the two pros highlighted the importance of giving back to the community without who’s support they couldn’t have gotten where they are today.
“I am very proud to partner again with the Stalactites team, and help causes we both feel passionate about. It’s exciting to one more create my own souvlaki and raise funds for a cause so close to my heart,” Tsitsipas says.
“Being in Melbourne for the Australian Open is always so exciting, and this year working with Hella Good to give back to the Australian Tennis Foundation is something I’m very proud to be part of,” Sakkari notes.
Tsitsipas and Sakkari, who arrived in the country less than a month ago to take part in the inaugural United Cup say as always, they’ve been having a wonderful time down under as they’ve travelled across the country.
Though the pair told Neos Kosmos that Melbourne, well it just feels like home.
“I mean after Athens, Melbourne’s the place you want to be right? It’s where I feel closest to home. The relationships I’ve built here and the memories, it’s just a place that brings me joy,” says Tsitsipas.
“You know some of my family on Dad’s side are here so of course, so you could say I’ve got a deep-rooted connection to the city.
Sakkari remarks that the feeling comes as no surprise, seeing as Melbourne’s one of the world’s largest Greek cities.
“When I walk down the streets I’m constantly hearing Greek… sometimes it makes me think I should be careful what I say!” she says.
“But for Stef and I, and also all the other Greeks that have come to play here, I think the most amazing thing is the support we’ve gotten in the matches since day one. It’s just such an honour to experience that whenever we’re here.”
Vicki Reid, Director of the Australian Tennis foundation says that the partnership with Hella Good taking place for the first time this year has been a boon for the organisation’s work.
“It’s fantastic because, not everybody has the opportunity to take part in sport and its especially become a bit of a luxury post COVID. Their support and the donations of others help us in continuing our work to give every child the opportunity to chase their dreams.”
“It can change a kids life. For those from remote areas or without the financial means to access coaching, the foundation gives them community and opportunity. A head start and if they love the sport, the support to make their dreams a reality,” she says.
“We’re incredibly thankful, both to Hella Good and particularly the players, because they’re the inspiration for these kids.”
Nicole Papasavas, Managing Director of Stalactites and Hella Good told Neos Kosmos that the collaboration with Tsitsipas and Sakkari came organically.
“For many years we’ve had a relationship with Stefanos Tsitsipas who’s been a great customer and good friend. Maria Sakkari would also often come to our restaurant with her team when she was in town so we got to know her really well.”
“So, we saw the opportunity to have them here when Hella Good was asked to be part of the Australian Open, and just thought it would be fantastic to get them both on board, creating a menu item for the two of them so that we could raise money for charity” she explains.
“It’s become an annual tradition at our restaurants to name a souvlaki after our Australian Open Hellenic heroes and donate proceeds to much needed causes.”
“Last year, we had Stalactites at the tennis and this year we’re thrilled that Hella Good is popping up and partnering with not one but two players to celebrate their achievements and give back to the community,” she says.
Nicole’s son Sam was visibly captivated by the sight of Tsitsipas and Sakkari at Saturday’s event… obviously the impact these idols have on their fans young and old is no small thing.
