“It’s not like I was going on the court to tank the match,” Maria Sakkari opens up on a challenging 2022 season

Maria Sakkari had an underwhelming 2022 season, where she failed to live up to her high standards for the vast majority of the year. Although there were a couple of noteworthy moments, yet Maria Sakkari seemed to struggle with her consistency throughout the season.

The Greek tennis star revealed that she suffered mental lapses during few encounters last year, where she did not feel like being on the court. She stated that her intention was not to tank the match, but she felt disconnected from the match and the court. Maria Sakkari further added that Madrid and San Jose were two instances where she seemed to be struggling on court.

“Yeah. I mean, last year there were a couple of weeks, maybe more. One of them was San Jose, I just couldn’t be on the court. I wanted, but I couldn’t. It’s not like I was going on the court to tank the match. I didn’t want to be there. It’s just I couldn’t. Madrid I was also struggling big time. I mean, there were a few, yes, and I’m a human being. I think I’m allowed also to have those weeks,” said Sakkari.

Related: Adrian Mannarino explains his vocal outburst after win over Lorenzo Musetti at Indian Wells

Maria Sakkari remains wary of Karolina Pliskova’s threat at Indian Wells

Maria Sakkari survived a scare in the third round of Indian Wells, as she defeated Anhelina Kalinina in three sets. The Greek had to make a comeback from a set down for a second match in succession. Now, she will face Karolina Pliskova for a place in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Maria Sakkari heaped praise on her upcoming opponent, and also reflected on their last meeting in Dubai last month. The Czech star won in straight sets, as she dropped just three games in completing a dominant victory over Maria Sakkari. The Greek realizes that she will be up against an opponent who strikes the ball pretty hard, and she will have to keep her unforced errors at a bare minimum.

“Well, I think it’s going to be tough. Obviously we played in Dubai, which is a horrible court for my game, and very good for her. It’s going to be tough. If it’s warm, because the ball flies and the ball, you know, flies through the air actually very fast,” said Sakkari.

“But, you know, from now on, like even in the first rounds like against Shelby, you cannot expect an easy match. Especially against someone like Pliskova, she’s serving big, and she likes, you know, to hit the ball hard, I have to for sure reduce my unforced errors. That won’t be accepted against her,” she added.

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