Olympics set to be highlight of the year for Sakkari

Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari, who burst onto the scene earlier this year when she made the semi-finals at Roland Garros, has said the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Tennis Event will be the highlight of her year.

In an exclusive video interview, the 25-year-old from Athens makes no secret of how much she is looking forward to playing at her first Olympic Games in one month's time and went on to say how she would do everything in her power to make the podium.

"As a Greek, the Olympics started in Greece, I’m so looking forward [to it]," explained Sakkari, who after her run to the last four in Paris proved she could be a contender for a medal in Tokyo. "It’s one of the highlights of the year – probably the highlight of the year.

"It’s a big thing for our country, for our people. Everyone’s looking forward. I think we have a strong team in tennis and I think we can do quite well."

Sakkari's medal hopes don't lie solely in singles. She will most likely team up with fellow Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas, who is another player who performed so well on clay at Roland Garros earlier this month.

Needless to say it would be a dream come true for the patriotic pair if they were able to deliver a gold for their beloved Greece.

"It means the world to me," said Sakkari. "It’s the second most important thing in my life. It’s family first and then it’s Greece. I love my country. I’m so passionate and patriotic. Every time I go back home, I receive the love from every Greek person. It’s such a different feeling, I will definitely miss it when I stop playing tennis.

"I’m going to do everything [I can] and everything is possible to win a medal in the Olympics. Just make myself proud, make my country proud one more time. It means so much to me."

The opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games starts in exactly one month's time, with the Olympic Tennis Event running from Saturday 24 July to Sunday 1 August.