WTA Indian Wells: ‘Be more relaxed and have fun’ - How the David Witt-Maria Sakkari partnership is taking off
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Published 14/03/2024 at 10:24 GMT
Maria Sakkari’s new coach David Witt says he is trying to bring the fun back to the Greek’s tennis - as she reached the quarter-finals of Indian Wells. Having worked with Jessica Pegula and Venus Williams, Witt appears to have had an instant impact on Sakkari’s game, having linked up with her earlier this month. The world No. 9 beat Diane Parry to reach the last eight.
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Maria Sakkari’s new coach David Witt says he is trying to bring the “fun” back to the world No. 9’s tennis after seemingly making an instant impact.
The Greek player pounced on the American’s availability earlier this month after he split with Jessica Pegula and it seems to be working out so far, having reached the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.
Sakkari overcame a wobble against Diane Parry of France but eventually came through to win 6-2 3-6 6-3, setting up a tie with Aryna Sabalenka’s conqueror Emma Navarro.
The 28-year-old ended her working relationship with long-time coach Tom Hill in February but was quick to link up with Witt, who has also coached Venus Williams.
The Californian says he will not be making any big changes to Sakkari’s game, but thinks she needs to believe in her ability more if she’s to make the most of her potential.
“Little things that we’re talking about doing,” Witt told the WTA.
“Maybe some drills to help her be more aggressive at times, rather than passive. When you’re tentative I think you can make more mistakes. You know, playing not to lose, rather than to win.
“At this level, Top 10 players, you have to play to win. If you give them a ball that’s around the service line and they don’t step up and rip it, then they’re not doing the right thing.
“Last two matches, her staying positive, staying present helped her win those matches. I want to get her more relaxed and to have fun.
“Some days it works, some days it doesn’t. Being happy instead of stressed, I think, allows you to play your best tennis. So far, so good.”
Sakkari’s link-up with Witt has coincided with a return to a venue she has good memories of, having reached the final at Indian Wells two years ago.
It seems to have brought a freshness to her game and has already reaped rewards, having come from a break down in the third set of a match for the first time in her career during the win over Parry.
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“I just feel very relaxed with David,” Sakkari said on Monday.
“He’s very laid back. That’s something that really helps me, being a very stressful person. I think I haven’t really stressed for anything the last few days I have been with him.”
“I think he’s one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met in my life. I’m laughing all the time. I just really enjoy my time with him on and off the court. He’s a very nice guy, which is the most important thing, but he’s also an amazing coach.
“He keeps it very simple, and that's what I like, because I don’t think I’m a player that you have to complicate things -- I like the way it’s going. I hope he does, too.”
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