Elite athletes are known for the unusual rituals they adopt to fuel comebacks. From superstition-driven habits to motivational games, professional sport often blurs the line between preparation and psychology. Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari has added her own light-hearted twist this season — a secret “number game” she is playing with her team.
The former world No.3, currently ranked outside the top 80 after an injury-plagued 2024 season, has made a pact with her close circle, including coach Tom Hill. Each member of her team will privately write down the ranking they predict Sakkari will achieve by the end of the season. The catch? No one reveals their number until the season is over. Then, the guesses will be compared to see who came closest.
It might sound like a playful exercise, but for Sakkari, it carries deeper meaning. After battling a shoulder injury that forced her to shut down her 2024 season post-US Open, Sakkari admitted that stepping away from the court was a huge emotional challenge. However, it also gave her a fresh perspective.
Speaking to the media at the Mutua Madrid Open this week, Sakkari revealed, “I keep saying to people that I’m happier now, even though I’m 89th in the world, than I was when I was ranked three. Those months away from the tour helped me work on myself and focus less on results.”
This small but significant “number game” reflects her new attitude: less pressure, more joy, and a renewed sense of identity on court.
Sakkari’s approach isn’t unique in the world of tennis, where players often lean into quirky rituals for motivation. Rafael Nadal, for instance, famously placed his water bottles at perfect right angles near his chair during matches — a ritual designed to maintain focus. Naomi Osaka has spoken about carrying a beloved childhood teddy bear during tournaments to provide comfort during high-pressure weeks. Such small actions, often misunderstood by outsiders, give players emotional anchors in a brutal, results-driven sport.
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For Sakkari, the guessing game serves both as a playful distraction and as a motivational anchor. “We haven’t really spoken about numbers,” she said, smiling when asked if any specific targets were set. “I’ll send you a picture at the end of the season.”
It is clear that for Sakkari, the focus is less on reclaiming a specific ranking and more on rediscovering her best self. After an impressive straight-sets victory over Magda Linette to move into the third round in Madrid, she admitted she finally feels like her old self again. “I’m just happy that I found the strength and power to play my game the way I used to. I feel like my game is back on track.”
Her next challenge will be against sixth seed Jasmine Paolini — a stern test but one that Sakkari approaches with growing confidence. “Obviously, if I want to beat players like that, I have to play like today, and even better,” she noted.
With her mind uncluttered, her body fit again, and a secret ranking number tucked away somewhere, Sakkari’s 2025 season is being shaped not by fear of failure but by an embrace of the journey.
Whatever the final number on the piece of paper reveals, Sakkari is already winning where it matters most: inside her own mind.
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