(VIDEO)”That’s why nobody likes you!”: Maria Sakkari blasts Yulia Putintseva in shocking net confrontation
On June 22, 2025, Maria Sakkari, former world No. 3, and Yulia Putintseva, ranked No. 27, ignited headlines with a fiery confrontation at the net following Sakkari’s 7-5, 7-6(6) first-round victory at the Bad Homburg Open, per Yardbarker. The tension erupted during the post-match handshake when Putintseva offered a brief, no-eye-contact “slap” handshake, prompting Sakkari to demand, “Just be like a human being,” per Tennis.com. Putintseva retorted, “I was a human being, look at yourself,” and reportedly told Sakkari to “go f*** yourself,” per The Mirror. Sakkari, incensed, followed Putintseva to her bench, shouting, “That’s why nobody likes you!” and insisting on eye contact during handshakes, per Daily Mail.
The 2-hour, 25-minute match, marked by a disputed second-set tiebreak call that favored Sakkari after a challenge, fueled Putintseva’s frustration, per Pro Football Network. Her sarcastic bow to the crowd, met with jeers, escalated the drama, per The First Serve. Sakkari later quipped in her on-court interview, “I don’t think she’s going to invite me for dinner for the rest of our lives, but I don’t care,” emphasizing respect for Putintseva as a player but not personally, per Fox News. X posts, like @SkySportsTennis, captured the viral moment, with fans divided—@AnneDS2020 called Sakkari’s remarks “childish,” while others, like @PundyVeit, noted Putintseva’s history of controversial antics, including her 2024 US Open ballgirl incident, per Daily Mail. Both players are set for Wimbledon, starting June 30, per Nine.
