Maria Sakkari is ready to occupy the world number 3 after making it to the biggest final of her career to date at the 2022 BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells.
The 26-year-old lost in straight sets to Polish Iga Swiatek in the BNP Paribas Open final, but he has been eyeing a comeback at the Miami Open, which takes place right after the tournament in Indian Wells.
“I thought I had a very, very good match,” Sakkari said. “I really believed that I was one step ahead, even if I lost the final. This weekend at Indian Wells will hold a special place in my heart. I know it sounds weird, because I didn’t win the tournament, but I feel I’m growing as a player after this tournament. I’m just going to take that and move on.”
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On their way to their second final of the season, the Greeks picked up victories over Katerina Siniakova, Petra Kvitova, Daria Saville, Elena Rybakina and defending champion Paula Badosa. At 16-4, she is now behind Swiatek as the women’s player with the most wins to date in the 2022 season.
“Playing against tough players and overcoming myself in certain situations is key for me, just believing in myself more and seeing myself in this position and in the final round of the tournament,” continued Sakkari.
“I feel disappointed. I will not hide it and I feel so disappointed I couldn’t win. But there are a lot of positives that I will take.”
“I had a discussion with my coach, Tom Hill. He stated that since we worked together, I had taken small steps. It looks like it. It might take me a little while until I can take the next step. But I think I’m on the right track, for sure.”
“Iga said that we would play each other for the next ten seasons, but I don’t think I will be playing tennis for the next ten seasons. There is an age difference between us,” Maria Sakkari added with a laugh.
“But I believe what he says. As long as I’m still playing, there will be a lot of games between the two of us.”
Meanwhile, the Greek tennis player was a semifinalist at the Miami Open last season. Regardless of the result at the BNP Paribas Open, he believes a quick change for the Miami Open would be the perfect solution.
“I think it’s the perfect situation at the moment, because I’m not down mentally. I know in the next few days I will be competing again. I’m used to that kind of rhythm,” said Sakkari. “I’m going to take a few days off and I’ll be ready for the Miami Open, because I think it’s the right.”
