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WHOOP Podcast

Chasing Greatness: Maria Sakkari on Mental Health, Longevity, and Tennis

Jan 8, 2025
Maria Sakkari, a top-ranked Greek professional tennis player, shares her inspiring journey to becoming the world's #3 athlete. She discusses the mental strategies she employs, including the power of visualization on match days. Sakkari opens up about her rigorous training and recovery methods, like cold plunges, which enhance performance. The conversation emphasizes the critical importance of mental health and coping mechanisms in professional sports, particularly for female athletes, while reflecting on her exciting encounters with icons like Serena Williams.
40:40

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Maria Sakkari prioritize her match day routine focused on sleep, nutrition, and recovery methods to maintain peak performance.
  • The importance of mental health is highlighted by Sakkari through visualization techniques and working with a mental coach for confidence.

Deep dives

Maria Sakari's Journey to Tennis Stardom

Maria Sakari committed to tennis at a young age, following in her mother’s footsteps, who was also a professional player. Both were competitive, and Sakari's early beginnings with her brother encouraged her to step onto the court around the age of five. She faced a decision at 18, contemplating whether to pursue tennis or shift to university; however, after qualifying for a Grand Slam, she chose to continue on her path. This choice eventually led her to become the highest-ranked Greek female tennis player, achieving a world ranking of number three.

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