A Hard-Fought Victory on the Clay

Maria Sakkari secured her spot in the second round of Roland Garros with a gritty victory over Linda Noskova, but the real story emerged off the court. The Greek No.1 was refreshingly candid about the mental hurdles she has faced recently, offering a rare glimpse into the psychological toll of elite tennis.

The match itself was a tense affair. Sakkari found herself in trouble, trailing 2-5 and 0-40 in the second set. However, she managed to regain composure, flipping the momentum to secure the win. “Obviously, it was a very difficult first round,” Sakkari noted after the match. “She is one of those players you don’t want to face early in a tournament. But if you want to go deep, you have to beat players like that.”

Conquering Self-Doubt

Reflecting on her comeback, Sakkari admitted that her mind had wandered during the critical moments. “At that moment I was completely focused. I had lost control of my mind for a few games. Then I told myself, ‘OK, get back into the match and do the right things,’” she explained. She emphasized that silencing negative internal dialogue has been her primary focus.

The 30-year-old revealed a new approach to mental preparation. “I write down the things I want to think about during the match. Lately I’ve been trying to be kinder to myself,” she said. Sakkari confessed that comparing her current form to her past achievements had been detrimental. “The last few months have been really hard because I was comparing myself to who I used to be. That doesn’t let me play.”

She described a recent wake-up call that shifted her perspective. “Last week was a wake-up call — to leave the past behind and just enjoy playing the tennis I know I can play.” This shift in mindset appears to be paying dividends, as she looks to build momentum in Paris.

Looking Ahead

Sakkari’s honesty resonates with fans and peers alike. “I’m not going to lie — that’s what I’ve been thinking for the last few months. I see myself coming back and then I put all this pressure on myself. That’s why I’m so honest about it. I’m happy and ready for this challenge,” she stated.

The top Greek player will now face American qualifier Claire Liu in the second round on Thursday. With her mental clarity restored, Sakkari is poised to test her resilience further on the French clay.