Maria Sakkari is looking for a new coach and is currently working with a prominent former Grand Slam champion.
According to reports, the Greek WTA star has hired the services of two-time former Roland Garros men's champion Sergi Bruguera, who has previously served as Alexander Zverev's coach before their tumultuous split in May 2023 over a difference of opinion.
Bruguera peaked at a career-high ranking of World No. 3 on the ATP Tour in August 1994. He won 14 career titles, including back-to-back French Opens in 1993 and 1994, and earned over $10 million in career prize money. He officially retired from playing in 2002.
At 53, he has a wealth of experience as a senior coach on the main tour, following stints with established ATP campaigners such as Richard Gasquet, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and World No. 4 Zverev and was working with French teenager Arthur Fils this season.
Bruguera also served as Spain's Davis Cup team captain from 2018 until 2022, when he was replaced by David Ferrer. He remains the only player to own a winning record over Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, considered two of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Sakkari and Bruguera have some camaradierie. Greek journalist Vicky Georgatou broke the news of their potential partnership on X, although the player has not officially announced it. They worked together during pre-season in Athens before the start of the 2024 campaign.
They have reportedly rekindled their alliance, which is likely to lead to a contractual relationship. Sakkari is searching for a new coach after splitting with David Witt - Jessica Pegula's former coach.
If Bruguera is formally appointed to coach the Athenian, he will be Sakkari's third coach in 2024. The World No. 9 parted ways with longtime coach Tom Hill in February after losing her spot in the world's Top 10 and then hired Witt.
Although her results instantly improved with Witt in her corner (reaching the Indian Wells final), she has lost in the first round in three tournaments, including Roland Garros.