Maria Sakkari breaks down at press conference: ‘It was weed’

Maria Sakkari said she may take a vacation from tennis following her unexpected US Open first-round defeat.

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On day one at Flushing Meadows, eighth seed Maria Sakkari from Greece lost 6-4, 6-4 to Spanish world number 71 Rebeka Masarova.

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The Greek great has struggled to reach her best form in 2023 and may now take a break from the sport.

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“Maybe I have to take a break,” she remarked. "I don't know what to do, I'm hurting on the court.

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I'm doing everything I can to improve. When I don't effect the match, my opponents play well. She plays well. The girl is strong.”

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Sakkari's face showed sorrow as she answered media queries, and her press conference ended abruptly when she grew emotional.

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Sakkari may need some time to decide her next step, even if she will remain in the top 10 of the WTA rankings after her early departure in New York.

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Sakkari reached a WTA Tour final in Washington earlier last month, but she has struggled to win in 2023.

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She lost early at the Australian Open in January and Wimbledon and French Open in the first round.

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Her season featured high spots with runs to the Indian Wells and Miami WTA 1000 semi-finals, but this affable athlete is not enjoying life on court.

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