"Doesn't mean you have a problem": Maria Sakkari aims to stop stigma surround having a mental coach or psychologist on tour
WTA
Maria Sakkari has spoken up on the ways that a psychologist has helped her improve not only her on court mentality, but also off court too.
Sakkari finally got over the hurdle in itself of only winning one WTA title back in Rabat despite being one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour.
But she won Guadalajara earlier this season and was back in Mexico where she defeated Caroline Wozniacki in an exhibition match and she was quizzed while in the country about working with a mental coach/psychologist and how she has benefited from this change.
As well as how she believes it is the 'greatest gift' she has given herself despite some having a stigma about working with such people on their game.
“I’ve been working for the last 5 or 6 years with a mental coach. It really changed the way I’m thinking. Not only on the court, but outside of the court. It’s made me a better person & a better human being. For me, that’s above everything," said Sakkari to TV Azteca Deportes.
"If you can achieve & unlock things outside of the court, then you can for sure do better on the court. I think it was the greatest gift I’ve ever given to myself. I would suggest it to every single person. Working with someone who specializes in that doesn’t mean you have a problem. It means you just want to become a better version of yourself. It’s a great investment that you can actually do.”
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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