Maria Sakkari is finally breathing again.
After a tumultuous 2024 season plagued by inconsistency, pressure, and a shoulder injury, the Greek tennis star has returned to the court with a fresh mindset and a hunger to reclaim her best form.
Sakkari, a former world No. 3, endured a frustrating year, with early Grand Slam exits and a mid-season four-match losing streak. After a devastating US Open first-round retirement against Wang Yafan, she knew something had to change.
Now, after stepping away from tennis and prioritizing herself, Sakkari is ready to turn the page and fight her way back to the top.
“The pressure, it was a lot—being constantly chased and having to prove something to everyone,” Sakkari told WTA Insider.
“I feel the time off was great because I had time to think about a lot of things and see things differently. When you are on tour, you never really relax and take time for yourself.”
For the first time in years, Sakkari disconnected from the relentless grind of professional tennis—and it may have saved her career.
Burned Out and Running on Empty—How Sakkari’s Break Changed Everything
Tennis is a mentally exhausting sport, and for Sakkari, the constant expectations became overwhelming.
- 2024’s few highlights – A runner-up finish in Indian Wells and a Charleston semifinal.
- Grand Slam disappointments – No deep runs, early exits at majors.
- Physical & mental exhaustion – A four-match losing streak, then a shoulder injury ended her season early.
Something had to give.
Instead of rushing back onto the court, Sakkari took a step back—and it turned out to be the best decision she could have made.
“I just took advantage of other things,” she explained.
“Spending time with my friends for more than two hours in a week. Spending time with my boyfriend or my family for more than three days in a month.”
For an athlete who has dedicated her entire life to the sport, this was a much-needed reset.
Now, she’s back and feeling stronger than ever.
“I feel that I’m recharged for a good amount of years—until I’m done with tennis.”
The Comeback Begins – Sakkari Returns with a Doha Victory
Now ranked No. 29 in the world, Sakkari is determined to fight her way back into the elite ranks of the WTA Tour.
She got off to a winning start at the WTA 1000 event in Doha, leading 4-6, 6-3, 4-0 against Elena-Gabriela Ruse before the Romanian retired from the match.
A win is a win, but now comes the real test—a second-round clash against Iga Swiatek, the world’s most dominant player.
This match will be a major measuring stick for Sakkari’s comeback.
- Can she handle the top competition again?
- Will her new mentality hold up under pressure?
- Can she rediscover the confidence that made her a top-3 player?
If her new mindset and recharged energy translate onto the court, Sakkari could be one of the biggest comeback stories of 2025.
The Road Ahead: Is Sakkari Ready to Return to Tennis’ Elite?
Sakkari’s reset is complete—but now comes the hard part: climbing back up the rankings and proving she still belongs among the WTA’s best.
✔ Mental clarity restored – No longer burdened by outside pressure.
✔ Physically recharged – Injury-free and ready to battle.
✔ Determined to fight back – No more doubts—just focus.
Her match against Swiatek in Doha could be the first real sign of whether Sakkari is truly back.
One thing is certain—Maria Sakkari isn’t done yet.
Can she reclaim her spot among the WTA’s elite? The next few months will tell us everything.
