"I didn't want to be there" - Maria Sakkari opens up on mental slump
WTAMonday, 13 March 2023 at 16:30
Updated at Monday, 13 March 2023 at 16:29
Maria Sakkari has opened up about the struggles she experienced last year, which led to a slump in form and a lack of motivation.
Speaking in her post-match press conference at the 1000-level event in Indian Wells taking place this week, the Greek World No. 7 spoke candidly about the mental struggles she grappled with last season, which impacted her results on the court.
Yeah. I mean, last year there were a couple of weeks, maybe more. One of them was San Jose, I just couldn't be on the court. I wanted, but I couldn't. It's not like I was going on the court to tank the match. I didn't want to be there. It's just I couldn't. Madrid I was also struggling big time. I mean, there were a few, yes, and I'm a human being. I think I'm allowed also to have those weeks.- Sakkari on her struggles last season
Last year's runner-up at the BNP Paribas event, Sakkari is looking to go one better this year and finally lift her first 1000 level tour title. She has won her first two matches in the Californian desert, coming back from a set down in both, and will next face a tough test in big-serving Karolina Pliskova for a place in the last eight.
Well, I think it's going to be tough. Obviously we played in Dubai, which is a horrible court for my game, and very good for her. It's going to be tough. If it's warm, because the ball flies and the ball, you know, flies through the air actually very fast. But, you know, from now on, like even in the first rounds like against Shelby, you cannot expect an easy match. Especially against someone like Pliskova, she's serving big, and she likes, you know, to hit the ball hard, I have to for sure reduce my unforced errors. That won't be accepted against her.- Sakkari on her upcoming match with Pliskova
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