Maria Sakkari hopes that a recent addition to her team could become more permanent after she crashed out of Wimbledon on Wednesday.
Sakkari, who was seeded eighth in the draw, got off to a perfect start before losing 0-6, 7-5, 6-2, to Marta Kostyuk. It was evident how much that defeat affected her afterward when she agreed to speak to a handful of journalists, including Ubitennis. Tears fell from her face due to a combination of both disappointment and frustration with it being the second major in a row where she has lost her opening match. Something that has never previously occurred in her career.
It was less than two years ago when the Greek was starting to establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in the big events. During the 2021 season, she reached the semi-finals of both the French Open and the US Open.
“Since I played my last semifinal at the US Open I haven’t had any good result that I would be happy with (in the majors),” a disappointed Sakkari reflected.
“Maybe I put too much pressure on myself? Maybe the fact I want to finish the season in the top eight puts a lot of pressure on myself.’
“It is very tough to handle right now and I just don’t know how to get over this, it’s very difficult.”
It has been a rather strange season for Sakkari when it comes to results. Out of 13 tournaments played, she has reached the semi-finals at five of them but failed to win back-to-back matches at seven others. Consistency appears to be an issue for the world No.8 who admitted that the hardest aspect of the sport she is dealing with concerns the mental part of her game.
In recent weeks, Sakkri has enlisted the help of Mark Philippoussis who is marking the 20th anniversary of his run to the Wimbledon final as a player. His addition is alongside her principal coach Tom Hill. Initially, the collaboration was for the grass swing but could it be extended further?
“We have to sit down and see. It was a trial period but we both like each other,” she commented. “There are a lot of things I can learn from him. I think that he’s a great guy and a great coach. He has helped a lot with my game but today wasn’t the case that I was able to show that.’
“It would be amazing if all the three of us can continue together.”
Philippoussis has also previously worked with Stefanos Tsitsipas on the Tour until he decided to cut down on his team size. The split was said to be a mutual decision.
“We have been working on everything. Mental, tennis-wise and everything tactical. Somebody can bring something new into the team and that is what we are working on.” Sakkari said of her latest mentor.
No timeline has been given regarding Philippoussis’ future in Sakkari’s team but he could be exactly what she needs to overcome her troubles.
