Greek tennis player Maria Sakkari’s awful run at Grand Slams continues as she crashes out of the US Open. Sakkari is a good player on hard courts and was expected to turn things around. As it stands now, Sakkari is out in the first round itself for the third consecutive time at a major.
The Greek locked horns with Rebeka Masarova, hoping to end her abysmal streak. However, Maria fumbled the match, losing 6-4, 6-4 to the world number 79 in straight sets. Sakkari’s latest first-round elimination has shocked tennis fans all over the world.
Sakkari was overwhelmed during the press conference and burst into tears. The interview was a summation of the poor season Sakkari has endured.
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Following her early departure, Maria penned a heartfelt note on Instagram. “Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to realize simple things in life. I just want to say thank you to each one of you for inspiring me to keep going and get back to enjoying myself,” wrote Maria in her caption.
She was introspective in her words and thanked fans for their continued support. Sakkari ended her note with a reminder to love oneself. Maria’s colleagues immediately jumped in to show their support. Ons Jabeur, Coco Gauff, and other players took the time to wish her well.
The last time Maria Sakkari won a match at a major was the Australian Open. However, she was unable to go deep into the tournament. The Greek had bowed out in the third round in Melbourne.
Will Maria Sakkari change her coach after US Open exit ?
Maria’s disappointing run at all four Slams this year has come to an end. Sakkari has lost all her last four matches in Grand Slams. The furthest Sakkari went this year, was the third round of the Australian Open.
Sakkari had managed to reach the finals of the Citi Open, prior to the US Open, where she lost to Coco Gauff. Maria has not been able to make it past a couple of rounds in the subsequent tournaments.
Sakkari’s fans took to social media to express their sympathies. There are several fans who think she needs an overhaul of her managing and coaching staff. A fan pointed out that Sakkari probably needs a ‘super coach’ like Justine Henin by her side. Here are a few fan reactions.
I think #Sakkari needs to make some changes in her team. I don’t know if it’s nervousness or all the expectations get to her, but in big stages she chokes. It’s not reflective of her capabilities. #USOpen.
— Julio Cesar Rodriguez (@jcrmtxus) August 28, 2023
We’re all rooting for Maria Sakkari, but wonder when’s the last time a Top 10 lost R1 at 3 straight Slams,
No one has ever needed a Super Coach more. Hire Justine Henin. Hire Jim Courier. Hire the wandering spirit of Althea Gibson. Hire somebody, please.
— Trenton Jocz (@TrentonJocz) August 28, 2023
This tennis season will haunt Maria Sakkari till she can turn the tides in her favor. She hopes to do it soon, given her reputation as a top-10 player is on the line.
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