Maria Sakkari found herself at a crossroads after her emotional breakdown at the US Open, where she suffered a heartbreaking first-round loss. The weight of three consecutive Grand Slam first-round exits had taken its toll, and she hinted at the possibility of stepping away from tennis for the time being. During her US Open post-match conference, an emotional Sakkari broke down and openly shared her struggles.
She said, “Maybe I should take a break, I’m suffering on the court. I can’t make a decision now, it’s hard. I don’t have a clear mind.” But just a couple of weeks down the line, Sakkari surprised everyone by her decision to compete on the tour again. In a Thanksgiving message, she said that her decision to change her mind was possible due to the overwhelming encouragement and support she received.
Sakkari reflects on her U-turn after US Open
Pointing back to her remarks right after her heartbreaking loss at the US Open, she exclaimed, “I didn’t know it was being recorded. I didn’t know it was going to get as big as it got, especially back home.” Expressing her gratitude, she further stated, “The amount of messages, love, & support from people…that was the main reason why I decided I want to keep going. They gave me a lot of strength.”
Maria Sakkari says the messages & love she received from colleagues & people back home inspired her to keep going after US Open loss:
“I didn’t know it was being recorded. I didn’t know it was going to get as big as it got, especially back home. The amount of messages, love, &… pic.twitter.com/T7WR4cXRtR
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 12, 2023
Maria Sakkari’s decision to continue playing stirred tennis fans’ reactions. In a show of strength for the Greek player, one fan commented, “Sakkari is jacked.”
Sakkari is jacked
— Jay Manalo (@MrJayManalo) September 12, 2023
Another fan said, “You’re an amazing player, strong, smart, athletic…. You keep going, I promise you will get there..you deserve to be one of the top best,” reminding her of the qualities she possessed.
You’re an amazing player, strong, smart, athletic…. You keep going, I promise you will get there.. you deserve to be one of the top best…🙏🎾👍🎾🤌🎾💪🎾
— SwagDad80🇮🇹 (@SWAGDAD80) September 12, 2023
Sakkari’s challenging season, marked by early losses and waning confidence, had left her emotionally drained. The thought of taking a break from tennis crossed her mind, a decision made even more public by her press conference recording. However, the incredible outpouring of support from fans, especially back home in Greece, and her fellow players served as a powerful motivator.
What’s next for Maria Sakkari?
Determined to make a triumphant comeback on the WTA tour, Maria Sakkari is striving for success after enduring a string of setbacks, including four losses in her last five outings. In her most recent match, she suffered a loss in the first round of the US Open, succumbing to Rebeka Masarova in straight sets.
Now, competing at the San Diego Open, WTA 500 tournament, Sakkari enjoys a first-round bye. However, her path to success won’t be easy as she faces the formidable Camila Osorio, currently ranked 75th in the world.
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Sakkari, a former world no. 3, has seen her ranking slip to 9th on the WTA ranking list. Nonetheless, she remains highly motivated to secure a spot in the season-ending elite WTA Finals event, where only the top eight players in the world qualify.
Her unwavering resolve to reclaim the form that defines her and join the world’s elite players at the WTA finals is steadfast as she continues her quest for success on the tour.
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