Who is Maria Sakkari and is she dating ATP Finals star Stefanos Tsitsipas?

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS will take on some of the best players in tennis as he bids to win the ATP Finals trophy.

While the 21-year-old has risen to tennis stardom in 2019, his love life has taken a back seat.

Yet, the Greek sensation has been linked with fellow countrywoman Maria Sakkari – and they have a long history together.

Who is Maria Sakkari?

Sakkari is a Greek professional tennis player, born on July 25 1995 – making her 24 years old.

She has been involved in the tennis world from a young age, as she is the daughter ofAngelik Kanellopolou – a former top 50 player.

She is currently 22nd in the world singles rankings, having reached the third round at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open this year.

Is she dating Stefanos Tsitsipas?

Tsitsipas and Sakkari are not your average “tennis mates on tour”, having known each all their lives.

Their mothers were both tennis players in their own right, becoming friends at the age of 15.

The pair played together in the Hopman Cup in December 2018, beating a USA team including Serena Williams and Frances Tiafoe.

While they have posted photos together on Instagram in the past, they are currently not romantically involved – not that Tsitsipas doesn’t want to.

As reported by Tennis Tonic, he said earlier this year: “She is a very nice girl and a good character.

“I could date her but I do not, I do not know why.

“I was shy, now I am more open. Getting older, I am more mature and I understand by myself what I want.”

Follow their Hopman Cup partnership, Sakkari had told Sport 360: “Hes one guy who inspires me… Hes a player and an athlete Im going to look after and its very important for me to have him because if Im alone on the tour (from Greece), I have no one to look after… Stefanos is a role model for us and for me.

“Its good to look after another player from your country, and we are only two. I think its a great thing and its great for our country.”