Maria Sakkari went through a rollercoaster of emotions during and after her first-round match at the 2023 US Open.
On Day 1 of the 2023 US Open, the tennis world witnessed one of multiple surprises. Rebeka Masarova defeated Maria Sakkari, who once scaled the heights of world No. 3 on the WTA Tour.
Tennis, in all its unpredictability, unveiled another gut-wrenching chapter as Sakkari faced the press, the weight of the moment manifesting in tears. Having reached the semifinals of the US Open in 2021, the expectations from Sakkari were undeniably high.
However, the turn of events in recent times painted a concerning image. While her grit, resilience, and unparalleled athleticism have never been in question, a different adversary now seemed to be confronting the Greek – her own apprehensions. This mysterious opponent didn't abide by the rules of tennis; it crept into her mind, muddling her thoughts and sapping her confidence.
The scoreboard read 6-4, 6-4 in Masarova’s favor, marking Sakkari's third major exit in 2023's opening rounds. It's a perplexing trajectory for someone of Sakkari's calibre. After a hopeful beginning at the Australian Open, where she reached the third round, Sakkari's journey took a downward spiral.
What started as a small fissure of doubt has now amplified into a chasm of self-questioning, prompting her to consider a sabbatical from the sport she adores. During the post-match presser, the agony in Sakkari's voice was palpable.
"Definitely the two previous defeats played a role, I was very nervous. I don't know what I'm going to do, I really don't know, it's always the same. 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."
“I was nervous, but I started well. It's not that I was tight, I don't know what's wrong with me. I continued to have anxiety, but it's not like I lost my mind. I cannot explain it. It's very unpleasant for me."
"I was ashamed to be seen like that. I was embarrassed, it was also my sister's birthday. I felt bad, I feel like I'm embarrassing them."
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