In Conversation: Maria Sakkari is the consummate professional

Karolina Muchova is set to return this week from a 10-month injury layoff, which included surgery on her right wrist. She joins the podcast from the Rothesay International to discuss her comeback, why she never panicked during her tough rehab, and why she can't blame her bum wrist for her guitar skills.

Bianca Andreescu didn't know it yet, but she was in for a big week at the Libema Open. The 2019 US Open champion joined the podcast mid-tournament to reflect on her injury-addled career so far and explain why she remains confident her best tennis is ahead of her.

2021 French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova joins the podcast from the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix as she rebuilds her season after injury and illness sidelined her in the spring. 

Marta Kostyuk will always be an emotional person and player. But in 2024, the 21-year-old Ukrainian has found a way to make peace with it. The result? A career-best season full of outstanding milestones. Kostyuk joined the podcast during her run to the final of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix to explain how she's been able to stay grounded. 

Iga Swiatek isn't one to take a backseat to anyone, but after becoming the first woman since Serena Williams to sweep the titles in Madrid and Rome, the World No.1 was happy to make an exception. Swiatek joins the podcast from the backseat of a BMW after winning her third Internazionali BNL d'Italia to detail her ability to adapt, evolve and improve. 

As the Hologic WTA Tour winds through the clay season, Maria Sakkari joins the podcast to discuss the realities of life as a touring professional. From reviewing invoices to enduring daily performance reviews, sometimes a job is still just a job.

How'd she do that? Iga Swiatek isn't entirely sure. The World No.1 joins the podcast to discuss her incredible match-point-saving win over Aryna Sabalenka to win her first Mutua Madrid Open title and 20th Hologic WTA Tour title overall. 

Taylor Townsend isn't here for any asterisks or qualifiers next to her name. The fan-favorite American joins the podcast in Miami to discuss the challenges of living a full and balanced life as a professional tennis player. 

From a prodigious junior career to World No.2, Spain's Paula Badosa has been through it all. Now, as she plots her comeback from a serious back injury, she joins the podcast to discuss the struggle to get back where she belongs.

At just 21 years old, Zheng Qinwen started her season by becoming the first Chinese player to make a Grand Slam final since her idol, Li Na. But she's not resting on her laurels. Zheng joins the podcast to discuss her preternatural confidence and how she's keeping her feet planted firmly on the ground.