Q: The Greek word areté refers to the act of fulfilling one’s highest potential both morally and functionally. How might this ancient Greek concept of excellence or virtue be applied to the pursuit of athletic achievement and personal growth?

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A: Growing up I went to Greek school, so I’ve learned everything about Greek history and Greek philosophy. Carrying that with me throughout the years, throughout my career, and through traveling to different countries and experiencing different cultures has been really important. I’ve been able to take that foundation with me every step of the way.

 

Over the years, my game has improved, and being able to show that to everyone watching has been amazing. Personally, tennis hasn’t had a lot of Greek players, so to be one of the few who have found success in recent years feels special. It allows me to showcase Greek history and become, in a small way, part of our country’s story. I’m very proud to be Greek, proud to represent my country, and proud to embody our incredible culture and history. Even though Greece is a small country, it has an immense legacy in philosophy and culture. That has been a very important part of my career, for sure.

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Q: Have you ever drawn inspiration from the wisdom of ancient Greek philosophers in your training, preparation, or approach to competition?

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A: I’m a player, an athlete who works hard, and I feel like in ancient Greece anything people achieved was through hard work, patience, and focus. For me, that’s the same foundation. Of course, everyone is different, and everyone finds success in their own field in their own way, but the mentality is the same—wanting it, striving for it, and writing your own chapter in history. That has definitely been inspiring to me.

 

​Q: How long have you been playing tennis?

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A: I started when I was five, and now I’m 30—so about 25 years. I’ve been a professional for the last ten years. A long time, but it’s been an incredible journey.

 

Q: Greek culture and ancient ideals have always emphasized the harmony of body and mind. Plato, for example, believed that exercise, combined with intellectual pursuits, nurtures virtue, well-being, and a balanced society. In your sport, do you maintain this connection between body and mind?

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A: That’s the toughest part. As an athlete, you’re constantly fighting with your thoughts. When things aren’t going well, the negative thoughts creep in, and you have to make a choice: stay positive or let your body lock up. If you think negatively, you simply don’t perform at the same level.

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Tennis especially is such a mental sport—I’d say 70% mental, 30% physical. If your mind isn’t in a good place, it’s almost impossible to compete, win, or succeed. But when you have clarity and positivity, your body responds—it moves better, performs better. Of course, there’s always pressure, expectations, doubts. But the ability to put that aside and perform at your best in the moment—that’s what makes a great tennis player, and really, a great athlete.

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Q: If you could pass on one piece of advice, rooted in your Greek identity, to the next generation of athletes, what would it be?

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A: I’d say hard work, always. That’s what my parents taught me when I was young, and it’s the reason I’ve made it this far. I wasn’t the most naturally talented, but my strength was in putting in the hours and never giving up.

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If you love what you do, then working hard won’t feel like a burden. Without hard work, there’s no real success. You might not have the greatest natural talent, but if you believe in yourself and you’re willing to put in the hours, then great things will come. It may sound clichéd, but it’s the truth—and it works.