Maria Sakkari 'couldn't hit a ball over the net' only weeks before making Indian Wells final in miraculous comeback
Tennis News
It could be said as the David Witt effect or just merely a showcase of Maria Sakkari's resolve and never say die attitude that she has made the Indian Wells final with the WTA two-time title winner alarmingly revealing pre final that she couldn't hit the ball over the net a month ago.
Such was her woes which saw her break down in tears during her press conference at the US Open, go on to win Guadalajara but then be back to square one as the losses piled up.
She ditched Tom Hill though her six year coach and took on the services of a proven winner in David Witt who worked with Jessica Pegula through her rise to become one of tennis' top stars. In their first tournament together, Pegula won a title and albeit against a formidable Iga Swiatek in the final, it could come round again.
“Well, we always say in tennis one day can change everything,” the world No. 9 said.
“But a month ago I was in Abu Dhabi, I couldn't hit a ball over the net, and now I'm just here in one of the biggest tournaments playing another final. It's just that, you know, those are lessons and those are things that you have to just accept the more you're on the tour that you're going to have some bad times, and then things can really change in a week.”
“I'm just very happy that this has been the week that things have started changing, because you know how much I love this place, and I told myself that I want to stay here as long as I can, and here we are, staying until Sunday, Monday.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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