Sometimes, making tough calls can change the whole game. Just like this, for Maria Sakkari, it’s the coaching change that has quickly changed fortune for her on the tennis court, as she makes it to the Indian Wells quarterfinals. Recently, after splitting up with her long-time coach, Tom Hill, after 6 years, she joined hands with Jessica Pegula‘s former coach, David Witt.

After winning the esteemed Guadalajara tournament in the latter half of last year, the Greek tennis player experienced a period of relative difficulty in WTA 1000 events. On the other hand, a recent coaching change has indicated a positive sign in her trajectory. Maria Sakkari disclosed that she has seen a noticeable improvement in her playing since David Witt entered the coaching scene.

Maria Sakkari opens up about the positive change in her tennis career

After struggling for the past few months and taking a lot of bold steps, Maria Sakkari has finally made her place in the quarterfinal round of the Indian Wells. In a post-match press conference, she opened up about her new coach’s approach. She stated, “It is different, for sure. I think every coach has a different approach. Yeah, he does keep it very simple. You know, we talk about it while I’m warming up on the court, and we don’t go into too many details right before the match.”

Speaking candidly about the effects of this coaching choice, Sakkari described how Witt’s direction has given her a new outlook on tennis and inspired her to play with more vigor. Sakkari added, “He just reminds me of couple things. Then, you know, off I go. You know, maybe it’s going to be different. I don’t know, you know, how it’s going to be from now on. I just feel like the way he does it, it’s working. I mean, seems like it’s working (smiling).”

Along with that, she also highlighted how Pegula’s ex-coach likes to keep things simple and doesn’t prefer to go into much detail just before the match. But at the same time, he focuses on reminding Sakkari of certain things that usually slip her mind.

Subsequently, one way or another, Maria Sakkari also laughed about how the coaching change decision turned out to be a good choice for her. While things are better with the new coach, the 28-year-old Greek tennis player shared an emotional message over ending the 6-year working relationship with Tom Hill just a few days ago.

Sakkari’s emotional message for Tom Hill

When the 9th-ranked tennis player took to her social media to share about the split, she highlighted how Hill played a big role in her life. She wrote, “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’s rise to a career-high ranking of No. 3 was the result of her hard work, and during this remarkable run, she also won two titles and made significant appearances in two Grand Slam semifinals, establishing herself as one of the top players in the sport.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Maria Sakkari’s change in tennis fortune? Do let us know in the comment section below.

Read more: ‘Doesn’t Happen for Her’ – Ultimate 2024 Deadline for Jessica Pegula Given by 41YO Tennis Coach