The Greek, a huge Porsche fan, popped off down the road to Zuffenhausen in between two practice sessions to immerse herself in the exciting world of the sports car manufacturer.
“Tournaments can be mentally tough,” said the current world No. 5 who is in Stuttgart this week for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. “It’s therefore really good to get to see something other than just hotels and tennis courts.”
Her tour began in the museum workshop in which historical vehicles are restored and repaired by specialists in full view of all the visitors. She was particularly taken by the baby-blue Porsche 356. “If I had to decide in favour of one of these many fantastic cars, then I’d chose the 356. It reminds me a bit of James Bond car,” she said with a broad grin on her face. Later she sat herself in the 356 “no. 1” Roadster, the first ever Porsche, and was surprised by its little cockpit saying, “I’m not really that tall but even I have problems getting out.”
The Greek woman was amazed to find out that Porsche had made the first ever electric car back in the year 1895, and that the battery was the same size as the one in a Taycan. “That’s crazy. I just can’t imagine how they managed to charge it back in those days,” said the astounded Top 10 player when talking about the vehicle that has a range of 80 kilometres and a top speed of 35 kilometres an hour. The figures are nowhere near comparable to those for today’s model that, as a Friend of the Brand of Porsche Greece, she also drives privately.
Maria Sakkari was highly positive when looking back on her tour around Porsche’s fascinating history. “Everything was so impressive, especially the range of the vehicles on display. From a fire engine to racing cars and the classical 911, everything is on show.” She revealed she would love to pop by in Zuffenhausen for a second visit once the tournament is over. “Then it’d be great to take a look at the factory.”
