Maria Sakkari has rejoined forces with her former coach Tom Hill, 14 months after their split, aiming to rediscover her top form. The Greek publication SDNA confirmed Hill’s reappointment, marking a new chapter for the former world No.3.
Hill, who coached Sakkari for six years until February 2024, guided her to a top-10 ranking for two-and-a-half years, two WTA titles, and two Grand Slam semifinals. Since their parting, Sakkari has worked with coaches David Witt, Sergi Bruguera, and Reymond Sluiter, with Sluiter recently stepping away for personal reasons. Her hitting partner, Julien Cagnina, temporarily filled the role.
Hill, previously coaching American Peyton Stearns, will resume working with Sakkari on April 17, 2025, and join her at the Madrid Open. Sakkari’s 2024 season ended early due to a shoulder injury, and her 2025 campaign has been challenging. She has not won consecutive main draw matches in 10 straight tournaments since January, with five losses to top-10 players and a recent first-round defeat to world No.73 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro at the Rouen Open.
“I’m in a better place now, and I’m happy to be healthy,” Sakkari told The Second Serve earlier this month. “My first injury came at 29, which is tough but also a sign of my durability. My ranking has dropped, and I’m getting tough draws because I’m not seeded. To go deep in tournaments, I need to beat top players, regardless of the round.”
Currently ranked 82nd, her lowest since 2017, Sakkari is determined to climb back to the elite level with Hill’s guidance.