Maria Sakkari’s tough season has come to an end as she couldn’t recover from an ongoing injury issue.

The Greek player was optimistic about 2024 following a difficult 2023, which included three consecutive first-round exits in Grand Slams at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

In an effort to turn her fortunes around, the 29-year-old ended her six-year coaching partnership with Tom Hill and brought in David Witt, who previously coached Jessica Pegula and Venus Williams.

Witt’s influence initially showed promise, as Sakkari reached the final at the Indian Wells Open and secured victories against Emma Navarro and Coco Gauff in three-set matches.

However, Iga Swiatek dominated the final, leaving Sakkari with little chance. Many believed Sakkari’s performance at the WTA 1000 tournament could mark a turning point, but she struggled to capitalize on this success. Mentally, she faltered in several matches, losing multiple contests after winning the first set.

Witt quietly departed from Sakkari’s team to coach Frances Tiafoe, who faced his own challenges after a tough loss at the Shanghai Masters.

After a round of 16 exit at the Olympics against Marta Kostyuk, Sakkari did not compete again until the US Open, missing the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open that precede the year’s final Grand Slam.

At Flushing Meadows, she faced Yafan Wang in the first round but was hindered by a shoulder injury, retiring after dropping the first set to the Chinese player, who advanced to the fourth round.

This injury also forced Sakkari to withdraw from the Guadalajara Open, where she was the defending champion. Winning her only WTA 1000 title in Guadalajara last year was a highlight amid her recent struggles.

Sakkari’s shoulder issue has turned out to be more severe than initially anticipated. The 2021 French Open semifinalist also withdrew from the China Open and the final WTA 1000 tournament of the year in Wuhan.