Maria Sakkari turns to former Jessica Pegula coach to help turn around slump
In an attempt to restore her form on the Tour, Maria Sakkari has sought the assistance of Jessica Pegula’s old longtime coach.
The world No 9 has reportedly partnered with David Witt, a former coach of Venus Williams, according to Greek media.
Prior to Pegula’s decision to sever ties with Witt earlier this year, the two had collaborated since 2019.
He managed the American to her two WTA 1000 tournament wins, helped her advance to six Slam quarter-finals, and achieved a career-high of No 3 in the rankings during their time together.
Sakkari appoints Witt off the back of ending her own long-term partnership with coach Tom Hill.
Most of the notable achievements of Sakkari’s career were achieved while she was taking guidance from Hill.
“Tom, thank you for all the emotions, the support on and off the court, and the belief you had in me since day one,” Sakkari wrote on Instagram last month. “We grew together, and you helped me realize that everything is possible.
“Not only did you make me a better tennis player, but you also made me a better person. Thank you for always wanting the best for me and for always having my back! Good luck on the next chapter in your career.”
Sakkari is hoping to turn things around following a dismal start to her 2024 campaign.
In her first four singles entries, she has only won two matches, and she is yet to face a player ranked in the top 20 in the world.
She did better representing Greece at the United Cup, winning three matches in the team competition, including triumphs over Angelique Kerber and Lelylah Fernandez.
Sakkari and Witt are reportedly going to collaborate in Indian Wells and Miami.
Should their collaboration be fruitful, it may even be expanded to include the clay swing.
The duties of the other members of her team will not change according to sources close to Sakkari.
In Dubai, Sakkari revealed her ambition of reaching the WTA Finals this season.
“Well, I would like to finish in the top eight, for sure,” Sakkari told reporters.
“Maybe top five, as well. Long way to go. I’m not even thinking about that because I’m far away from that at the moment.
“We still have so many tournaments. Things can easily change in just one week.”
Sakkari is among the players to vocally criticise the 2024 schedule which features 20 mandatory tournaments.
“What I know is that we have to play 20 mandatory tournaments this year, including the slams. So it’s four slams, six 500s and 10 1000s. If you don’t play, you get a zero in your ranking. That’s the only thing I know,” she said.
