Maria Sakkari is getting her wish granted after all as Stefanos Tsitsipas has accepted her invitation to play mixed doubles at the Paris Olympics despite previously hinting he would probably pass on that.
After representing Greece at the Tokyo Olympics, Sakkari and Tsitsipas also played mixed doubles together in each of the last two United Cup editions. And since they form a star duo, the general expectation and belief was that they would team up for the Paris Olympics.
But earlier this year, world No. 8 Sakkari stunned everyone when she revealed that Tsitsipas was having second thoughts about playing with her at this year’s Olympics. When sharing the news, Sakkari also used that moment to make a public plea to Tsitsipas.
“I would like to play mixed doubles because I really think we have a good chance, but as far as I know he’s planning on not playing mixed because he’s playing doubles with his brother,” Sakkari said in April.
“Everyone knows how good we can play. It’s a 16-draw, you win two matches you’re in the semis and then you get a chance to win a medal. That would be huge for our country. And the way that we play together, not many teams have that chemistry. I just feel like it would be unfortunate if we don’t play together, but it’s his decision….
