“You were so like arrogant back in the day”: Maria Sakkari recalls first impression of Tomljanović
WTASaturday, 27 June 2026 at 02:30
Maria Sakkari’s interview with Ajla Tomljanović, conducted ahead of Wimbledon, combined candid reflections on their early relationship on tour with a return to what Sakkari described as the most painful defeat of her career at Roland Garros 2021. The conversation, recorded for Tennis Channel’s social media platforms, unfolded in a relaxed setting between two long-time WTA competitors and close friends.
The exchange opened on a notably direct note when Sakkari admitted to Tomljanović that she initially didn't like her when they first crossed paths on tour, a comment that framed the discussion around how first impressions are shaped in professional tennis.
The tone shifted as Sakkari revisited her 2021 Roland Garros semifinal loss, which she described as the most painful defeat of her career. The match, decided in a tight final set against Barbora Krejčíková, remains one of the defining moments of her Grand Slam history, with Sakkari acknowledging the fine margins that separated victory from defeat in Paris.
In a Tennis Channel social media interview during the Wimbledon lead-up, Tomljanović spoke with Sakkari as both prepared for their opening-round matches. Sakkari is set to face 24th seed Clara Tauson, while Tomljanović will meet qualifier Mariam Bolkvadze, who is making her main-draw debut at Wimbledon.
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“I didn’t like you”: first impressions on tour
The most striking moment of the interview came when Sakkari was asked directly about her first impression of Tomljanović, prompting an immediate and unfiltered response that set the tone for the exchange.
“I didn’t like you,” Sakkari admitted to Tomljanović at the start of the video. “I’m not going to say the reason I didn’t like you, but I didn’t like you before we became friends. We didn’t even say hello to each other.”
“You were so like arrogant I would say back in the day,” Sakkari later added. “But then when eventually I met you, I felt like I can be friends with her. I can be best friends. Slowly.”
Tomljanović then acknowledged that she also did not feel much initial sympathy toward Sakkari. “Honestly I could say the same about you,” the Australian said. “On court you're this strong, powerful, you're fierce. But then off court you're such a softie. You can't really judge people on court that you would think that they are like that outside of it.”
Roland Garros 2021 and competitive extremes
While the tone of the interview was largely light, it shifted when Sakkari reflected on one of the defining moments of her career: her 2021 Roland Garros semifinal loss to Barbora Krejčíková, who went on to win the title. At the time, Sakkari had reached the semifinal after defeating defending champion Iga Świątek and entered the match as the highest-ranked player among the four semifinalists (World No. 18).
“The French Open Semi-Final 2021. That match point really sometimes I think about it or sometimes I don't. It’s been five years. Serve and then Barbora approached the net and her making that swing volley was just I was like 'why she couldn't frame that swing volley?' It's really painful but at the same time it's a great memory.”
Sakkari led 5-3 in the final set and had a match point on serve but could not convert it, allowing Krejčíková to break back. The Greek player later saved three match points on her own serve to level at 7-7, before ultimately losing on Krejčíková’s fifth match point, 7-5, 4-6, 9-7, in a match that sent the Czech player into her first Grand Slam final.
“I’m going to take that with me forever,” Sakkari admitted about one of the closest opportunities of her career to reach a Grand Slam final. “It’s a brutal sport in a way. You have your highest points and then your lowest as well.”
Friendship, relationships and stability off court
The conversation also turned to Sakkari’s long-term relationship with Konstantinos, with Tomljanović asking when she realised it had become something serious.
“That was a long time ago. That was like three, four months into our relationship or five months. It was actually he came for the first time to watch me at that French Open in 2021 where I made semis. He brought me good luck in that tournament. Until the swing volley. It wasn't his fault.”
“I just felt like creating memories early on in your relationship is very important and I just felt like we bonded over some very special moments and then I felt like that summer we were in Crete together and I felt God I don't want to lose that guy ever in my life.”
Sakkari also revealed the emotional certainty that developed early in the relationship. “He's the one, obviously I didn't tell him. Even though I told him that I'm in love with him before we even started dating,” the former world No. 3 added. “When you know, you know; and I knew and I'm very lucky.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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