"Netflix curse? Never heard of that" - Sakkari not superstitious
WTA
Maria Sakkari dispelled the Netflix curse theory by advancing to the 3rd round of the Australian Open with a win over Diana Shnaider.
Sakkari is the No. 6 seed at the Australian Open. After impressive seasons in 2021 and 2022, the Greek hopes to build on her achievements during the last two years and reach the very top of the women's game.
Although 2022 was impressive, including reaching the Guadalajara Open final and qualifying for the WTA Finals, Sakkari faced some adversity throughout the year and had to show mental resolve to overcome those moments.
Sakkari spoke honestly in the closing stages of last season about crying while talking to her mother on the phone because of how challenging she was finding the grueling and lengthy WTA Tour, but the 27-year-old rebounded strongly afterward.
Some of Sakkari's 2022 season was documented during an episode of Netflix's Break Point. The show has received a mixed reaction from tennis fans, but the 2021 French Open semifinalist's refreshing honesty in her episode made it excellent viewing.
Tennis fans on social media have talked about a "Nextflix curse" since some of those who appeared on Break Point were eliminated from the Australian Open. That meant there was more focus than usual on Sakkari before her match against Diana Shnaider.
The Greek No. 1 dug in and showed her improved mentality to prevail 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 and reach the third round. Afterward, Sakkari was asked about the so-called Netflix curse, and she admitted she had never heard of it and did not think it made much sense.
"Netflix curse? I have never heard that. I mean, the only one (loss) that I can think of is Matteo, but Matteo lost his match 7-6 on the fifth set. I have to say that they (the Break Point production team) only bring us luck and I enjoyed my time with them because they are nice people.’"
"I know that I haven’t been playing my best tennis yet, but it’s better to keep improving and keep the good part for the later stages of the tournament."- Sakkari on her current level
