Maria Sakkari has enlisted the expertise of David Witt, former coach to Jessica Pegula and Venus Williams, ahead of the 2024 Indian Wells tournament, reports Gazzetta.gr. The tournament kicks off on Wednesday, March 6.
Witt became available after parting ways with Pegula last month following a five-year coaching tenure. Under his guidance, Pegula achieved six Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances and reached the top three in the rankings.
Currently ranked ninth globally, Sakkari recently ended her long-standing partnership with coach Tom Hill due to a lackluster start to the 2024 season.
Sakkari and Hill enjoyed six successful years together, during which Sakkari reached two Grand Slam semifinals and seven finals. Additionally, she made three appearances in the WTA Finals, secured two titles, and achieved a career-high ranking of No. 3 in March 2022.
However, their collaboration concluded after Sakkari endured four losses in six matches this season, including an early exit at the Australian Open. Sakkari announced the split on social media on February 15, expressing gratitude to Hill for his unwavering support and wishing him well in his future endeavors.
“Tom, Thank you for all the emotions, the support on and off the court, and the belief you had in me since day one. We grew together, and you helped me realize that everything is possible.
Not only did you make me a better tennis player, but you also made me a better person,” Sakkari wrote. “Thank you for always wanting the best for me and for always having my back! Good luck on the next chapter in your career,” she added.
