Maria Sakkari & Yulia Putintseva involved in tense handshake drama
The world of professional tennis is known for its intensity and competitiveness, but even by those standards, the handshake drama between Maria Sakkari and Yulia Putintseva at the Bad Homburg Open was unprecedented. The two players clashed in a fiery exchange after their first-round match, which Sakkari won in straight sets, 7-5, 7-6(6).
The tension was palpable as the two players faced off at the net, but instead of a customary handshake and a smile, Putintseva opted for a cold handshake and a sarcastic bow, deliberately avoiding eye contact. Sakkari, however, was not one to back down from a confrontation and immediately confronted Putintseva, with the two players exchanging a few heated words.
The incident was captured on video, with the footage showing Sakkari looking visibly upset and angry, while Putintseva remained calm and composed. The Greek player’s body language spoke volumes, with her arms crossed and her eyes blazing with intensity.
The drama unfolded after Sakkari emerged victorious in the match, which was marked by a series of intense rallies and long exchanges at the net. Despite the competitive nature of the match, the two players had been exchanging pleasantries and words of encouragement throughout, leading many to assume that the handshake would be a routine and cordial affair.
However, Putintseva had other plans, and her decision to give Sakkari a cold handshake and a sarcastic bow was a clear indication of her displeasure. Sakkari, who has never been one to shy away from controversy, was quick to respond, with her words and body language conveying a sense of anger and frustration.
The exact nature of the dispute between the two players is unclear, but it’s worth noting that Sakkari has been vocal about her dislike of Putintseva in the past. In a 2020 interview, Sakkari spoke out against Putintseva’s on-court behavior, accusing her of being unsportsmanlike and disrespectful to her opponents.
It’s possible that the tension between the two players has been building for some time, and the handshake drama was simply the culmination of a long-standing feud. Alternatively, the incident may have been a one-off, sparked by a specific incident or comment made during the match.
Whatever the reason, the handshake drama between Sakkari and Putintseva was a dramatic and unsettling moment, one that left many in the tennis world scratching their heads. As the two players went their separate ways, the question on everyone’s lips was: what exactly had happened to cause such a heated exchange?
In the aftermath of the incident, both players have declined to comment, with Sakkari’s team releasing a statement saying that she would not be making any further comments on the matter. Putintseva, meanwhile, has been tight-lipped, with her team refusing to comment on the dispute.
As the tennis world continues to debate the drama, one thing is clear: the handshake between Sakkari and Putintseva will go down in history as one of the most tense and awkward moments in tennis history.
