"Their private emotions put up in front of all these people, it's not fair" - Tennis fans react to Maria Sakkari's breakdown following US Open loss

Maria Sakkari could not hold back her tears after her first-round exit at this year's US Open on Monday (28 August). Sakkari's display of emotion was a heartbreaking sight for many in the tennis community, who reacted by expressing concern about her mental well-being.

The Greek was far from her best during her first-round match against Rebeka Masarova of Spain, losing 4-6, 4-6. This was Sakkari's third consecutive first-round defeat at a Major tournament.

She appeared distraught while answering the media's questions after the match, and broke down in tears towards the end of the press conference.

Several fans on social media sympathized with Maria Sakkari, with one of them saying the World No. 8 should have been excused from her press conference duties.

"They should be relieved of a presser after a loss. It's their private emotions they are putting up in front of all these people, it's not fair," they wrote.

A few fans also encouraged Sakkari to take a break from the sport in a bid to refresh herself and take care of her mental health.

"Another example of a player that needs to take a break from the tour. This is unhealthy," one fan wrote.

"Omg these pictures, but yeah girl, take a break for the rest of the year and figure things out, new team, I'd say," another fan wrote.

Here are a few more reactions from the tennis community on social media:

Maria Sakkari has failed to go past the third round in her last seven Major tournaments

Maria Sakkari lost in the first round of this year's French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open

Maria Sakkari's results since the 2021 US Open, particularly at the Grand Slams, have been far from impressive. The Greek has failed to reach the second week in her last seven Major outings.

More concerningly, Sakkari is currently on a four-match losing streak at the Slams, with her last win coming in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open. The 28-year-old has also lost all six of her finals on the WTA Tour during this period.

Sakkari herself is considered taking a break from tennis in order to recoup herself mentally, saying after her 2023 US Open exit:

"I don't know what I'm going to do, I really don't know... Maybe I should take a break, I'm suffering on the pitch. I can't make a decision now, it's hard. I don't have a clear mind."