Maria Sakkari admitted she panicked during parts of this season after facing more challenges than she did during 2021.
Sakkari's 2021 season was the best of her career. She had never finished a year inside the Top 20 but changed that fact after reaching the French Open and US Open semifinals, having not previously been past the fourth round of a Grand Slam
The Greek No. 1 did not win a title in 2021, but those semifinals and other consistent results throughout the season meant she finished the year as the world No. 6 and comfortably qualified for the WTA Finals, where she progressed to the semifinals.
Sakkari did not get past the fourth round at a Grand Slam in 2022. That reduced success at the four majors put additional pressure on her shoulders, especially after what she had achieved the previous year.
However, Sakkari's successes at WTA 1000 level proved critical in Sakkari qualifying once again for the WTA Finals. She finished as runner-up to Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula at the Indian Wells Open and Guadalajara Open.
Although losing the final was disappointing, Sakkari built a special connection with the Mexican fans during her time in Guadalajara. The 27-year-old revealed she would support Mexico at the upcoming Football World Cup.
Sakkari spoke about her season ahead of the WTA Finals in Fort Worth, Texas. The Indian Wells Open runner-up admitted she panicked during some moments, but trusting those around her was key throughout 2022.
"Of course, there were moments in the season I was panicking, I didn't know what to do. But the most important thing for me was that I had the same people and the people I trust next to me."
"I think in my case, if I was just to do random changes around me, it would be a mistake for me. For me, trusting everyone next to me was the key. It's something that I'm very thankful and grateful for. I think that's what helped me get over this tough period I had."
0 Comments