"Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to realise simple things in life": Sakkari opens up after disheartening US Open loss, Jabeur, Gauff and Tomljanovic show support

Maria Sakkari received support from her colleagues after her early exit from the US Open, including messages from Ons Jabeur, Coco Gauff, and Ajla Tomljanovic.

Ranked World No. 8, Sakkari hasn't had the best season. Despite being in the top 10 for two years and considered a favorite in every tournament she plays, as well as being seeded, she has struggled to convert her level of play into titles and has gradually lost momentum throughout the year.

Sakkari has suffered first-round exits seven times in tournaments this year, including the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. In the beginning of 2023, she only reached the third round of the Australian Open. These results are disappointing for a player who has been hovering around the top 5 for years.

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During a press conference, Sakkari expressed her disappointment following her first-round defeat at Flushing Meadows against Spanish player Rebeka Masarova.

"I really have no words to describe the love and support I’ve received the last 48h. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to realise simple things in life. I just want to say thank you to each one of you for inspiring me to keep going and get back to enjoying myself. Don’t forget to love yourself," she posted on Instagram.

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Sakkari's colleagues commented on the post, showing their support for the 28-year-old athlete. Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig, Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur, Ajla Tomljanovic, Alexa Guarachi, Timea Babos, and Despina Papamichail were among those who expressed their solidarity.

For now, Maria Sakkari won't drop out of the top-10 after the US Open, but the upcoming months of the year appear challenging for the Greek player if she doesn't improve her performance. In the WTA Race, she currently holds the 14th position and is likely to further decline based on her results at Flushing Meadows.