Russian rising star Mirra Andreeva dominated Greece’s Maria Sakkari in straight sets (6-0, 6-4) during the Australian Open 2026 second round on January 21, advancing with composure against a vocal Melbourne crowd cheering for the Greek player.
Greek Australian News
The latest Greek Australian News, Opinion, Features, Culture, Food, Entertainment, and Sport from Greek City Times in Sydney, Australia
Maria Sakkari’s Australian Open 2026 campaign ended in the second round with a straight-sets loss (6-0, 6-4) to rising star Mirra Andreeva, who dominated with clinical play and maturity beyond her years.
The Archbishop Makarios Name Day dinner in Sydney on January 19, 2026, featured high-profile guests, awards, and proceeds for church renovations, showcasing Greek Orthodox unity.
17-year-old Greek tennis player Odysseas Geladaris (ITF No.77) wins 6-0, 7-6(2) over Evan Vassiliadis in Australian Open Junior qualifying debut. One more victory needed for main draw at Melbourne Park.
Philip Vakos, the Greek-Australian chef known for his innovative takes on Hellenic cuisine at Bahari in Melbourne, recently returned to the MasterChef stage—this time competing in Season 10 of MasterChef Greece, representing the diaspora with a fusion lamb dish that earned him an apron.
Stefanos Tsitsipas rallied after losing the first set to beat Shintaro Mochizuki in four sets on Day 3 of the Australian Open 2026, advancing to face Tomas Machac in round two.
Kelly Kelekidou and Nikos Zoidakis continue their Australian tour following sold-out performances in Adelaide and Sydney, with upcoming concerts scheduled in Melbourne and Darwin later this month.
Sydney’s new $836M Fish Market opened at Blackwattle Bay on 19 Jan 2026 after major delays – vendors reported teething problems with logistics, ferry wharf delayed to 2027, crowds flocked despite rain.
Greek-Australian Kayla Itsines shocks US: Millionaire at 22, sold Sweat app for $400M. From Adelaide Greek roots to global fitness queen—repurchased it too! Yiayia-inspired empire thrives.
Sydney hit by second shark attack in 24 hours: 11-year-old surfer escapes injury as shark bites chunks from his board at Dee Why Point, one day after 12-year-old critically injured at Nielsen Park. Expert warns of heightened bull shark risk.
Andrew Liveris AO, dual US-Australian citizen and ex-Dow Chemical leader, takes over as Chair of the American Australian Association from January 2026. Succeeding Craig Chapman after 23 years, Liveris bridges corporate ties and Brisbane 2032 Olympics preparations
Pioneering Greek-Australian politician Nick Bolkus, former federal senator and Cabinet Minister under Hawke and Keating, will be honoured at a State Memorial Service on Thursday 22 January 2026 in Adelaide. The first Greek Australian Cabinet Minister, Bolkus championed multiculturalism and migrant rights before his passing on 25 December 2025 at age 75. Details on attendance, livestream, and donations inside.
The brand-new Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay officially opened its doors on January 19, 2026, welcoming crowds to expanded retail, late-night dining, and fresh catches. Greek-Australian families have long powered Sydney’s seafood scene, with iconic businesses like Poulos Bros (a major wholesaler and retailer at the markets), Claudio’s Seafood, De Costi Seafoods, and Faros Seafood carrying on traditions from early 20th-century Greek migrants who built the city’s fish trade.
A 12-year-old boy remains in critical condition at Sydney Children’s Hospital after a large shark mauled both his legs while he was jumping off rocks at Nielsen Park’s Shark Beach in Vaucluse on Sunday afternoon, January 18, 2026, with five friends witnessing the horror and authorities closing the beach while searching for the shark.
Stefanos Tsitsipas delights fans with a hilarious mock Aussie accent in his new Adidas promo, asking “Have you ever seen a cheetah meditate?” while channeling Steve Irwin vibes with “crikey” — a fun prelude to Australian Open season!
Maria Sakkari advances to the second round of the 2026 Australian Open with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Léolia Jeanjean, highlighted by a spectacular forehand return around the net post that she compared to shots from Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz
Ioannis Vidiniotis, 28, from Athens, faces quadriplegia after hitting a sandbank at Perth’s Cottesloe Beach on New Year’s Eve. With less than 5% chance of ever walking again, the Greek community of WA launches major fundraiser.
Brisbane Roar head coach Michael Valkanis has returned to Greece on urgent personal leave due to a family medical emergency. Assistant Borja Lema takes charge as the team faces Perth Glory, with the club rallying in support.
MeRA25 leader Yanis Varoufakis slams Greek police summons to narcotics unit as absurd and politically motivated, after candidly admitting on a podcast that he tried ecstasy once in Sydney, Australia in 1989—describing it as an amazing but ultimately regrettable experience that left him with a week-long migraine.
Melbourne is set to host the world’s first official UNESCO-recognized celebration of World Greek Language Day (International Greek Language Day) on February 9, 2026, at the historic Capitol Theatre. This landmark event honors the Greek language’s enduring legacy, dedicated to pioneering educators like Panagiotis Liveriadis and generations of Greek teachers in Australia. Featuring music, lectures, and awards for philhellenes, the free community-funded gathering highlights Melbourne’s central role in global Hellenism following UNESCO’s historic proclamation.
A new EU proposal under the Australia free trade talks could allow Aussies to live and work across Europe, including Greece, for up to four years—no pre-arranged job needed. Reciprocal rights for EU citizens in Australia too. Details still negotiating, but big changes loom in 2026!
Young Greek tourist Ioannis Vidiniotis from Athens has <5% chance of walking again after striking his head on a sandbank at Cottesloe Beach on New Year's Eve. Hellenic Community of WA launches GoFundMe for his care.
Thanasi Kokkinakis withdraws from Australian Open 2026 singles due to shoulder injury but plans to compete in doubles. The popular Aussie-Greek player cites ongoing recovery after a tough year.
Adelaide’s Thanasi Kokkinakis withdraws from the Adelaide International 2026 due to a recurring shoulder injury, just days before the Australian Open. The 29-year-old, returning from a year-long layoff, posted: “Very sad to have to pull out of my favourite event. Unfortunately my arm isn’t quite ready yet after missing a year off. The support is always incredible and love playing here. See you next year.”
Australian Ambassador Alison Duncan met Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis alongside IP4 partners (Japan, Korea, New Zealand) in Athens to discuss NATO-Indo-Pacific cooperation, regional developments, and their implications for Greece and the Alliance. A key diplomatic exchange on shared security challenges.
Adelaide Writers’ Week 2026 has been fully cancelled following the disinvitation of Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah over “cultural sensitivities” linked to the Bondi terror attack and her statements. Director Louise Adler resigned in protest, decrying it as a blow to free expression amid lobbying pressures, with over 180 authors withdrawing and the board nearly collapsing. Economist Yanis Varoufakis amplified her warning on X: “No comment necessary,” quoting her call to arts colleagues: “They are coming for you.”
Costeen Hatzi, the 25-year-old influencer and ex of Nick Kyrgios, has confirmed her attendance at the 2026 Australian Open, excited to experience the Grand Slam “in a new light” after their amicable split. She’s partnering with Australian fashion and beauty brands while enjoying some tennis and catching up with fellow WAG Hannah Dal Sasso.
Nick Kyrgios thrilled the Melbourne crowd with a dramatic 6-3, 4-6, [11-9] victory over Zhizhen Zhang at the Kooyong Classic on Tuesday, dropping to the court in celebration after clinching the super tiebreak. The 30-year-old Australian, who has ruled out singles at the Australian Open due to ongoing recovery, described the win as “a bit heartbreaking” amid his gradual return to form.
Kevin Rudd to step down early as US Ambassador on March 31, 2026, returning to Asia Society presidency. Albanese thanks him for advancing AUKUS and bipartisan ties amid Trump-era challenges.
Thanasi Kokkinakis battled through a painful shoulder injury to defeat Sebastian Korda 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(7-3) in his first singles match in nearly a year at the Adelaide International 2026, marking an emotional hometown comeback after radical pectoral surgery.
