Maria Sakkari visits AYA Universe ahead of 2024 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
Maria Sakkari explores AYA Universe, a futuristic exhibition in Dubai that transports visitors from reality to dreamland.
Two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist embraces the unknown off-court and on as she prepares for life with a new coach by exploring immersive futuristic attraction in Dubai
Dubai, UAE—February 19, 2024: With her eyes fixed firmly on the future and preparations underway to start a new chapter in her career, world No. 11 Maria Sakkari embraced the unknown ahead of this week’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships by exploring the emirate’s AYA Universe, a futuristic exhibition that transports visitors from reality to dreamland.
Sakkari, who announced last week she is splitting from coach Tom Hill after a six-year run that included two Grand Slam semi-finals and a career-best ranking of world No. 2, took time-out from training for her second-round tie with American Emma Navarro by immersing herself in the distinctive lights, sounds and mirrors of AYA.
Encountering an otherworldly experience, Greece’s top-ranked female player embarked on a journey to a ‘Beautiful Universe’, exploring the 12 zones of AYA, from uncovering the perfect blend of light and movement in the Harmonia Zone to venturing into the mystical garden at Flora and entering Luna’s infinite mirror chamber.
Reflecting on her experience, the 28-year-old said: “It was amazing. It was something very different than any other activity I’ve done on the Tour. An experience I would definitely do again; it just relaxes you, disconnects you, and recharges you. I really liked it, and as I said, I would come back for sure.”
Eyeing up what lies ahead, Sakkari, the No. 8 seed in Dubai and a recipient of a first-round bye, will face world No. 23 Navarro in the Round of 32 on Tuesday determined to break a three-match losing streak. The emirate’s WTA 1000 event at Dubai Tennis Stadium, where Sakkari has failed to progress past the second round in four attempts, offers the perfect opportunity to launch the latest chapter of her career.
Sakkari has two WTA singles titles to her name, including a victory in Guadalajara last year. She has faced Navarro only once previously, losing in three sets in San Diego.
