“What am I doing wrong?” Maria Sakkari, who almost considered quitting in 2023 opens up about facing heartbreaking mental health issues

Maria Sakkari was last seen in action at the 2024 United Cup.

“What am I doing wrong?” Maria Sakkari, who almost considered quitting in 2023 opens up about facing heartbreaking mental health issues

Maria Sakkari (Credits: Imago)

Maria Sakkari recently opened up about her mental health issues and admitted to quitting the sport in 2023 after experiencing a below-par season.

The Greek’s unfortunate mental health issues stemmed from her poor performances in the season’s Grand Slams, where she suffered three first-round defeats in all her slam appearances. 

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The second season of Break Point was recently aired on Netflix, where Maria Sakkari highlighted her emotional rollercoaster journey through the 2023 season. Subsequently, the 28-year-old also leveled with her emotions after suffering a first-round straight-set shock defeat in the 2023 US Open.

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While talking in a post-match press conference after her performance in the New York Slam, the World No. 8 broke down in tears and considered quitting the sport. 

It was very difficult, I mean, being a top 10 player, being six in the world and losing three first rounds and Grand Slams, that’s probably a record, that’s never happened before. It’s something that affects you.
Sakkari said via Netflix Break Point.

Sakkari’s last recorded victory came at the 2024 United Cup where she downed Leylah Fernandez to seal her home team Greece’s spot in the quarterfinal of the Sydney event.

You always have it in your mind that it shouldn’t affect you, but it does, in a way. A lot of things were in my mind. And I was like, asking, why? What am I doing wrong? What can I do better? And I just went back to scratch, started just trying to get the ball on the court, not thinking anything that is irrelevant, and just do what I know, to do best, just playing tennis. I think that was why I just managed to turn things around.
She further added

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Maria Sakkari will lock horns with Nao Hibino for a place in the second-round of the Australian Open

Greek tennis sensation Maria Sakkari is scheduled to take on Japan’s Nao Hibino in the first round of the 2024 Australian Open.

The duo have never met on the WTA Tour, with their current head-to-head score standing at 0-0.

Maria Sakkari and Nao Hibibo (Credits: WTA)

While the Greek hasn’t experienced a laudable 2023 season, Sakkari certainly possesses a huge serve and a commanding groundstroke skill.

However, the Japanese pro is more aggressive, a dominant aspect that she could use to her advantage during her first-round encounter with the 28-year-old.

Sakkari and Hibino’s clash will go down on Sunday, January 14 at the jam-packed stadium of the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

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