Court Clash: Tension Rises at Bad Homburg
A tense encounter unfolded in Bad Homburg as Greece's Maria Sakkari and Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva clashed post-match over a contentious handshake after Sakkari's win. The rivalry continued off-court, with Sakkari expressing indifference to Putintseva's actions and focusing on her Wimbledon preparations.
Tension flared at the Bad Homburg tournament on Sunday, as Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari and Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva had a verbal showdown following their match. Sakkari's 7-5, 7-6(6) victory was overshadowed by an icy handshake, sparking a post-match exchange.
"When you shake hands with someone, look them in the eyes," Sakkari was overheard saying, challenging Putintseva's sportsmanship. In response, Putintseva performed an exaggerated curtsy. As tensions continued, Sakkari shrugged off any potential for friendship, saying she valued her existing relationships over any negative on-court experiences.
Sakkari, ranked 85th globally, remains focused on her game, facing either Ekaterina Alexandrova or Belinda Bencic next, with her sights set on Wimbledon, starting June 30.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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