A heated confrontation erupted at the Bad Homburg Open on Sunday when Maria Sakkari told opponent Yulia Putintseva "nobody likes you" following their match.
The Greek tennis star defeated Putintseva 7-5, 7-6 (8-6) in Germany, but the post-match handshake descended into chaos.
Television cameras captured Sakkari stepping towards Putintseva's side of the net to exchange sharp words.
The incident has since gone viral across social media, with footage showing the uncomfortable exchange between the two players.
Maria Sakkari and Yulia Putintseva clashed at the net
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The confrontation comes as both players prepare for next month's Wimbledon championships, adding extra tension to an already fraught relationship.
The dispute began when Putintseva slapped Sakkari's hand at the net following her loss.
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Sakkari immediately began criticising Putintseva, who responded with a curtsy.
The Greek player was heard telling Putintseva she should "look at the other person in the eye" during a handshake.
The chair umpire was forced to intervene as tensions escalated between the two players.
This marked the third career meeting between Sakkari and Putintseva, with each player having won once before Sunday's match.
The friction continued as both players left the court following the incident.
Putintseva took to Instagram on Monday to defend herself, posting the viral clip with the caption: "By the way – not that I care – I shook her hand as most women do."
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The incident between Maria Sakkari and Yulia Putintseva has since gone viral
She added: "Clearly not according to the 'hugging protocol' some men seem to follow."
The Kazakhstani player then shared images of Sakkari not making eye contact with other players during handshakes, writing "And the plot thickens..." alongside a clown emoji.
Putintseva also reposted a video showing Sakkari telling her: "When you shake hands, look at the other person in the eye."
Sakkari addressed the confrontation in her post-match interview, stating: "I don't think she's going to invite me for dinner for the rest of our lives, but I don't care, to be honest.
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"Nobody likes you!" 😤
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) June 22, 2025
Tense moments at the net after Maria Sakkari beat Yulia Putintseva 😳 pic.twitter.com/TsvwgBaYiK
"I have very good friends, and I'll go to dinner with them.
"Let me leave it here, and just say that I have respect for her as a player, but that's it."
The Greek player is scheduled to face Ekaterina Alexandrova in the Round of 16 at Bad Homburg. The viral incident has drawn significant attention ahead of Wimbledon, which begins next month.
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