Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari has openly discussed the difficulties she encountered after achieving a career-high ranking of No. 3 in the world in 2022.
In an interview with SDNA, Sakkari revealed that the pressure of maintaining her high ranking led to her first-ever panic attack during a match in Stuttgart later that year.
"When I got to No. 3, it was a blessing and a curse," Sakkari said. "I put so much pressure on myself. After a month, I had a panic attack in the stadium. I couldn't breathe."
Sakkari credits her boyfriend, Konstantinos Mitsotakis, son of the Greek Prime Minister, with being a source of support during this difficult time.
"I have a very good time with Konstantinos. It doesn't matter how many days we are together, but how good we are when we are together, but also when we are apart" Sakkari said.
"I am very lucky to have him in my life and to have a man who understands me and has never told me. 'where are you going, where are you travelling?'' It pushes me to move forward and become better."
Also, Sakkari reveals the first thing she does after matches is get on the phone with her boyfriend, Konstantinos.
"He is always my first phone call after a very important match. First I talk to Kostantinos and then to my mother."
The interview also delved into Sakkari's personal life. She's been dating Mitsotakis since 2020 and describes their relationship as positive and supportive.
"He's always my first phone call after a big match," Sakkari revealed.
Looking ahead, Sakkari remains focused on her tennis goals. After splitting with Hill, Sakkari hired David Witt, who previously worked with Jessica Pegula for five years. Now, Sakkari hopes Witt can help her elevate her game and achieve her biggest tennis dreams.
"The coach is very important. There is always room for improvement, even if you are #1. I've reached No. 3 and now I'm No. 6, I want to reach the top though," Sakkari noted.
"And to do that I need to have the right person by my side. I felt that my previous coach could not help me anymore, we stopped our cooperation very amicably. The boundaries had been lost a little because we had become very good friends. I needed someone more experienced next to me."
