In the world of sports, players are accustomed to overcoming various challenges and distractions on the field. However, sometimes they encounter surprises that are truly out of the ordinary. Greek tennis sensation Maria Sakkari recently found herself in a rather unexpected situation during her first-round loss to Rebeka Masarova in the US Open.
Sakkari was caught off guard by the distinct smell of marijuana that seemed to waft through the air, potentially originating from a nearby park. During a changeover during her match, the 28-year-old couldn’t help but mention the peculiar odor to the chair umpire.
In a viral video circulating on social media, an astonished Maria Sakkari can be heard talking to the chair umpire, “It was weed. The smell, oh my gosh. I think it’s from the park.”
Maria Sakkari smells weed during tennis match. pic.twitter.com/JDRvAV8NXc
— MMA Cardinal🥇🥊 (@MmaCardinal) August 28, 2023
Remarkably, despite the unusual distraction, Sakkari clarified that the scent didn’t significantly impact her concentration while on the court. She said, “You don’t really think about it, because all you care is just to win the match. I smelled it, but that was it.”
Maria Sakkari says she smelled marijuana during her match against Masarova:
“It was cannabis. I was not affected by this smell in any way. It was just a comment, it has nothing to do with the match. I smelled it yesterday in practice too, but it’s irrelevant. We can’t control… pic.twitter.com/oPlOZZaujY
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 28, 2023
Sakkari’s experience isn’t the first instance of a tennis player encountering such an aroma. Australian player Nick Kyrgios had similarly complained about smelling marijuana during a game last year, citing his asthma as a concern.
In her post-match comments, she humorously remarked, “Sometimes you smell food, sometimes you smell cigarettes, sometimes you smell weed. There’s a park behind. People can do whatever they want.” Unfortunately, her first-round loss marked her third consecutive first-round exit in a Grand Slam this year, warranting the need for introspection.
Maria Sakkari contemplating a break after her first-round loss in US Open
The 8th seed Maria Sakkari’s journey in the US Open took an unexpected turn as she faced a disappointing first-round loss against Rebeka Masarova, falling 4-6, 4-6. This defeat marked Sakkari’s third consecutive early exit in Majors, following previous departures in the French Open and Wimbledon this year.
Despite her struggles on the court, Sakkari has maintained an open and honest perspective on her performance. With emotions running high after the loss, the Greek tennis star tearfully expressed her frustration. She acknowledged her sub-par level of play. Sakkari remarked, “I wouldn’t say I was playing well. If I played at least five or 10 percent better, I would have won that match.”
No athlete should feel like this. 🎾
Maria Sakkari has made Greeks proud multiple times on and off the court with her personality and performance.
So, don’t judge if you can’t relate. 🫶 #USOpen @mariasakkari pic.twitter.com/YjLN4FneSn
— valiapilianidi (@valiapilianidi) August 29, 2023
Sakkari’s recent string of losses has left her contemplating her next steps. In a candid statement, she revealed uncertainty about her future plans, including the possibility of taking a break from tennis. “It’s not a lack of effort, for sure. I don’t know. It’s very uncertain, I don’t know what I am going to do, whether I am going to take a break or not,” she stated.
She openly acknowledged her struggles and the pressing need for improvement, suggesting that something needed to be done about them. Her aspirations are driven by a strong desire to regain her peak form. These candid reflections, strewn with emotions, underline the resolute mindset that defines a dedicated player like Maria Sakkari!