After nearly five months away from competition, Maria Sakkari is making waves both on and off the tennis court. The Greek star, who had to withdraw from her first-round match against Wang Yafan at the 2024 US Open, spent her time away focusing on recovery and self-improvement. Although the hiatus caused her world ranking to plummet to No. 82, Sakkari is beginning to show promising signs of resurgence.
Following a quarterfinal finish at the Linz Open earlier this season, Sakkari has now made a statement at the Madrid Open. Her impressive win over world No. 6 Jasmine Paolini (6-2, 6-1) in the Round of 32 marks her first victory over a Top 10 opponent since the 2024 BNP Paribas Open, breaking an 0-8 streak against elite players.
Speaking after the match, the 29-year-old expressed satisfaction with her execution on court. “I was clear on my plan and executed it perfectly. I didn’t allow her to find any rhythm, which was crucial against such a strong opponent,” Sakkari explained. Her dominant performance secured her first Round of 16 appearance at a WTA 1000 event since the 2024 Italian Open.
Reflecting on her journey, Sakkari noted, “It feels good to finally have a win that feels like a personal milestone. The road hasn’t been easy, but trusting the process has been essential. This is a step forward, but there’s still plenty of work ahead.”
Sakkari’s next challenge will be against former world No. 3 Elina Svitolina in the Round of 16. With their head-to-head record tied at 2-2, anticipation is high for what promises to be a fiercely contested match.
However, it’s not just Sakkari’s on-court performance that has caught attention. Her remarkable physical transformation has become a trending topic across social media platforms. Known for her disciplined gym routines, Sakkari’s muscular build has left fans and commentators in awe.
Sakkari’s devotion to fitness is no secret. Since 2016, she has embraced intense strength and conditioning regimens, including box jumps, medicine ball workouts, and heavy weight training. Speaking about her love for the gym, she once shared, “I genuinely enjoy working out. It boosts my confidence and translates directly into better performances on the court. Whenever I feel strong physically, my mental game also sharpens.”
Social media exploded with reactions after a recent photo showcased Sakkari’s impressive muscles. Fans praised her dedication, with comments ranging from admiration to outright amazement. One fan even humorously remarked, “Maria is more ripped than Hulk Hogan!”
Other WTA stars like Aryna Sabalenka have also been praised for their physical strength, though Sabalenka attributes much of her physique to genetics, explaining how a short period of strength training rapidly added muscle mass for her.
The trend toward greater emphasis on physical conditioning among female players has been a growing feature of modern tennis. Acknowledging this shift, a fan noted, “Her biceps are incredible. Power has become a bigger focus on the women’s tour.”
Sakkari herself has spoken about how gym sessions uplift her spirit as much as her physical form, saying, “Workouts are not just about my body — they make my soul feel good too. It’s something that energizes me from within.”
As she prepares for her clash against Svitolina, fans are eager to see whether Sakkari can continue her resurgence. With her revitalized body and sharpened mindset, she’s proving that strength, perseverance, and passion are a winning combination.
Now, the big question remains: Can Maria Sakkari keep building on this momentum and achieve a deeper run at the Madrid Open?