Sakkari admitted that there was plans to switch to athletics had the remainder of the 2020 season began and that it was pencilled in that she was going to compete at the National Championships.

"If the tour was cancelled I was going to compete in the 100-meter track and field event at the National Championships," Sakkari told reporters ahead of the Palermo Ladies Open.

"Greece National Championships starts on August 8th. We were kind of joking with my fitness coach, but inside of me I really needed competition. There were rumours going around that the tour would get cancelled so I thought if the tour gets cancelled I need to find something.

"I'm fast. I knew I was not going to win it for sure because I'm not a professional. But yeah, I was thinking of doing that."

"[I can run a] 12.7 without spikes or starting blocks. My fitness coach, who is a track and field specialist, said that if I trained I could probably make the final."

While there was that itch there to compete, the Greek ace admitted it was good to be back home but that after a while, the lack of tennis was an issue and that as a result, she can't wait to return at the Palermo Ladies Open.

"I haven't been home for five months since I was maybe 12. It was really nice. After a while I wanted to get back to travelling and action, but I really enjoyed my time at home. Saw my friends, had some weeks off, really enjoyed the time with my family. Went to an island for a week, which was nice. I got to spend time with my people. But I missed tennis."

"We're back in competition so I'm blessed," she added. "Blessed to be back."