Sakkari: “My coach wants me to be more arrogant”

In an interview given to Eurosport, Maria Sakkari made the report of the year and revealed what happened this year that characterized it as a key point in her career.

“I know my coach, Tom Hill, wants me to be more arrogant. But I think he actually wants me to believe more in myself, which is very right. “I work with a psychologist who really knows me and we focus on finding ways to build my confidence outside of court, so I do not rely on results.” said the Greek tennis player.

Analytically:

“Reaching the first two Grand Slam semi-finals in the same season was incredible and finishing the year in the WTA finals in Guadalajara was a dream come true. But it did not happen by mistake. I can say that before this season, I was tough and negative with myself. This year, however, and with the help of the right people next to me, I concentrated on doing good and positive thoughts. This was evident in my results as well, so having a good time with yourself I would say with certainty is a very nice idea.

It was something we focused on more and adjusting my behavior led to a gradual improvement. It is, however, a specific moment in Roland Garros that was a focal point not only for my season but also for my career. I remember feeling good about my game in Paris, but the match against Elise Mertens was key. It was probably one of my best matches this year and the victory gave me confidence.

It was an important point for me in my career in Paris, as the semi-final was a great moment in my career. I had a match point against Barbora (Krejchikova), but things did not go well for me. It hurts even now that I think about it. But it was an experience for me that can make me even better and stronger for the future. Losing a match point can happen to anyone, it is not uncommon. If nothing else it was a good lesson and the next time I have the opportunity I will be more prepared.

I know my coach, Tom Hill, wants me to be more arrogant. But I think he actually wants me to believe more in myself, which is very right. The two semifinals in the Grand Slam showed that I am doing the right thing and these results help me find my confidence and understand what I think I am capable of doing.

I work with a psychologist who really knows me and we focus on finding ways to build my confidence off the court, so I do not rely on results. This balance helps and I am in the process of getting a little better every day.

My position in the rankings reflects all this – I entered the Top 10 at 26 and success at this age requires a different type of mentality. When you are young you are not afraid of anything, you do not think, you just play. At 26 you are more mature and you manage things differently. That’s why it’s so special to me. Being the first Greek woman to enter the Top-10 makes it even better. It is a big deal for me, my family, my homeland. It is a nice thing for Greece to have me and Stefanos in the top 10 in the world.

Growing up in Greece we did not have many tennis players, so it was difficult to follow a path to the top. However, the fact that my mother was a tennis player inspired me and made me believe that I can achieve my goals. He has been by my side since I started playing tennis at 6 and he has helped me get to where I am now.

In the off-season I want to rest and do absolutely nothing! I do not want to travel anywhere, I just want to rest and then make my plans for the new season. I do not have any specific goals, because this season showed me that anything is possible. “Becoming a better version of myself is the biggest goal.”

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