With her maiden WTA title under her belt, Peyton Stearns is ready to take Roland Garros by storm. She has undergone a lot of change this year, not just because she won a new title but also because she is working with Tom Hill, a new coach. The British coach has ended his lengthy collaboration with Maria Sakkari and is now committed to working with the young prodigy.
The rumors of the new partnership started when, during the Madrid Open, the coach was in the coaching box of the young American tennis sensation. Despite being on a trial period, both of them stepped down on a new journey together and won the Morocco Open, which came out to be the 22-year-old tennis player’s first WTA title.
After lifting the title, Hill took to his Instagram account to share a picture with the American tennis player. Along with that, he wrote, “First title together with @peystearns! 🏆 Super proud of you!! 💪🏻 Thank you for a great week! @wtarabat @wta, Next stop —> @rolandgarros 🇫🇷.”
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Moreover, the French Open will be their first major event together, and the 62-ranked tennis player will start her campaign, against Lucija Ciric Bagaric. The American Danielle Collins was one of the first WTA players the British coach worked with, supporting her in her breakout 2018 season. Tom Hill and Collins became partners in 2017.
Hill was a sparring partner at IMG Academy when the 30-year-old approached him, looking for new guidance and a new lease on life. Their journey on the WTA Tour began in Japan. After that, he partnered with Greek athlete Maria Sakkari for six years, helping her win her first championship in 2019.
Sakkari was mentored by Hill to achieve a career-high ranking of World No. 3, leading her to several Grand Slam semifinals and appearances in the WTA 1000 final. Their collaboration came to an end in February 2024, when Sakkari shared some amazing words with the British tennis coach.
Peyton Stearns’ new coach ended his six-year-long walking relationship with Sakkari
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Earlier this year, Sakkari wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Maria Sakkari & Tom Hill have ended their partnership together
Maria: “Tom, Thank you for all the emotions, the support on and off the court, and the belief you had in me since day one. We grew together, and you helped me realize that everything is possible. Not only did you… pic.twitter.com/QzHDoEBSEu
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 15, 2024
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With no hard feelings, even the 29-year-old tennis coach replied to the amazing post and wrote, “Thank you for the amazing memories! Always here for you champ[.]” Meanwhile, former Jessica Pegula coach David Witt has joined with Greek tennis player Maria Sakkari. Peyton Stearns and her current coach, Eric Hechtman, have a close relationship, so it’s unclear what role he will play going forward.
Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Hill’s new partnership? Do let us know in the comment section below.