Players’ voice with Greece star Maria Sakkari: “My coach wants me to be more arrogant”

She also qualified for the WTA Finals in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she also reached the semifinals.

In the latest edition of the series Players’ Voice on Eurosport.de the tennis player talks about her outstanding year and reveals how she was able to cope with the difficult way to the top.

From Maria Sakkari

Hello dear tennis friends,

Getting to my first two Grand Slam semi-finals in one season was incredible. And with the participation in the WTA Finals in Guadalajara a dream came true for me. But all of this is no accident.

In the past few years I’ve been a bit too tough and negative on myself. This season, with the help of the right people around me, I’ve focused on having a much more positive attitude by allowing more beautiful thoughts . My results also benefited from this. It was definitely a good idea to be nice to myself as my change in attitudes helped me become a better player.

But there was a certain moment in Roland Garros that I see as a major turning point – not just this season, but in my entire career. I was generally happy with my game in Paris, but my game against Elise Mertens was decisive. It was one of my best matches of the season. The win gave me a lot of confidence and marked a milestone on my trip to Paris.

The semifinals were then a big moment.

I had a match point against Barbora Krejcikova, but then I lost. It still hurts when I think about it. But it was a valuable experience and something that can make me better and stronger.

Awarding a match point is not uncommon, it can happen to anyone. For me, this experience means that I am prepared for this should I hold this opportunity in my hands again.

My trainer Tom Hill said he wanted me to be a little more arrogant. I think he means that I have to believe in myself more – which is also true. Reaching two Grand Slam semifinals shows me that I’m doing the right things. Of course, these results help me to see what I am actually able to achieve.

I am now also working with a mental trainer. We focus on finding ways to build my confidence off the field as well. This balance helps me a lot and I get a little better every day.

My world rankings reflect that, I climbed into the top 10 when I was 26. To make the breakthrough at this age, you have to have a different mentality. When you are young and at the beginning of your career, you are fearless. You don’t think about it and just play. At 26 you are much more mature, much more conscious and have to approach things differently. That’s why this milestone is something very special for me.

That I’m the first Greek female tennis player to ever achieve this makes it even better. It’s a great thing not only for me, but also for my family and my country. With Stefanos Tsitsipas for the men and me there are currently two top 10 players from Greece – that’s just great for our country.

When I was growing up in Greece there weren’t many tennis players. So the way to the top was difficult. The fact that my mom is a former tennis player inspired me and made me believe that I can achieve my goals. She’s been by my side since I started playing tennis when I was six. She has always accompanied me on my way and always supported me. I owe her a lot.

I would now like to use the free time to relax. Basically, I don’t want to do anything! It’s the opportunity to switch off. As for next season, I don’t have any specific goals in mind. This year has shown me that anything is possible. Perhaps my most important goal is to become a better version of myself.

Many greetings,

Your Maria

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