Maria Sakkari’s challenging season is over after the Greek was unable to recover from an injury problem.
Sakkari hoped 2024 would be a great season after enduring many difficult moments in 2023, including three consecutive Grand Slam first-round defeats at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
The 29-year-old tried to change her fortunes by ending her six-year coaching relationship with Tom Hill. Shortly after, she hired Jessica Pegula and Venus Williams’ former coach, David Witt.
Witt had an immediate impact on Sakkari’s performances. She reached the final of the Indian Wells Open and won three-set matches against Emma Navarro and Coco Gauff in California.
Iga Swiatek produced a flawless display to win the Indian Wells Open, not giving Sakkari much chance. However, some felt that what she had achieved at the WTA 1000 tournament could have been a turning point for her.
Unfortunately, that did not turn out to be the case. Sakkari could not build on that showing, and she struggled mentally during matches again, losing several matches after winning the opening set.
Witt left Sakkari’s team and began working with Frances Tiafoe, who had a meltdown after his defeat at the Shanghai Masters. The American’s departure from Sakkari’s team happened quietly without an announcement.
After losing in the round of 16 at the Olympics to Marta Kostyuk, the Greek No. 1 did not play again until the US Open, skipping the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open that take place before the year’s final Grand Slam.
Sakkari played Yafan Wang in the opening round at Flushing Meadows but struggled with a shoulder injury throughout the match. She retired after losing the first set to the Chinese player, who went on to reach the fourth round.
That physical problem led Sakkari to withdraw from the Guadalajara Open, where she was the defending champion. Winning her only WTA 1000 tournament in Guadalajara last year (it was downgraded to a WTA 500 this season) was one bright moment during her struggles in the last 18 months.
Sakkari’s shoulder injury has proven more severe than she initially expected. The 2021 French Open semifinalist also withdrew from the China Open and the final WTA 1000 tournament of the year in Wuhan.
Last year’s Guadalajara Open decided it would be better to give her shoulder additional time to recover rather than attempting to return at this late stage of the year, announcing her season was officially over.
“For the last few weeks, my main focus has been on recovering from my shoulder injury. I will have to end my season earlier than planned. I will be back stronger and pain-free. Thank you for all your support. It’s been a challenging year but it has taught me a lot as well. See you soon in Australia.”
Sakkari is one of the most affable and friendly players off the court. It would be great to see her come back with a bang next year and play the quality tennis she is capable of.
