Maria Sakkari has announced her decision to end her professional relationship with longtime coach Tom Hill.
Hill served as Sakkari's main coach diligently and dutifully from 2018 until their final tournament together at this week's Qatar Open, where the Greek star suffered a third defeat in a row. It has not been the kindest of starts to 2024 for the Athenian who felt change was necessary.
But despite the parting of ways, Sakkari can look back on some of her fondest memories, which she achieved with the Briton in her corner. The 28-year-old won her biggest career title at the Guadalajara Open - which is classified as a WTA 1000 tournament - last September.
It was under Hill's guidance that Sakkari broke into the world's Top 10 for the first time in 2021 after reaching two Grand Sam semifinals - at Roland Garros and the US Open. Sakkari eventually peaked at a career-best ranking of World No. 3 the following season.
However, she is set to exit the Top 10 after losing three of her first seven matches this season, with her most recent defeat coming at the hands of Linda Noskova in Doha. Sakkari took to Instagram to announce their split, thanking Hill for helping her self-belief and wishing him a lot of luck in the future.
"Tom, Thank you for all the emotions, the support on and off the court, and the belief you had in me since day one. We grew together, and you helped me realize that everything is possible."
"Not only did you make me a better tennis player, but you also made me a better person. Thank you for always wanting the best for me and for always having my back!Good luck on the next chapter in your career."
The split had a measure of goodwill as Hill took to his own social media page to echo similar sentiments and felt privileged to work with a Top 10 player. Hill, who is only 28, is among the youngest coaches on the WTA Tour.
"Maria is not only an incredible athlete but a great person. Working with Maria has been an absolute privilege and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together."
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