Maria Sakkari, famous for being Greece’s top ranked female tennis player, is often referred to as Greece’s favourite Spartan. She is undoubtedly a true Greek Warrior. Not only is she a world-class tennis player who has been ranked as high as number 3 in the world but a formidable athlete too.
From a gelato in the streets of Rome to a career coaching one of the best tennis players in the world. Tom and Maria’s journey began after a chance encounter whilst queuing for a gelato in Rome during the WTA 1000 event. One WTA Victory, two Grand Slam Semi Final appearances and couple dates at the WTA Tour Finals later, Tom & Maria are only getting started.
Tom started working on the WTA tour as Danielle Collins’ coach. Under his guidance, Danielle went from ranking #164 in the world to #39 in a little over 8 months. She won her first WTA title with Hill’s help at Newport Beach in 2018 and then reached the Round of 16 in Indian Wells and the Semi-Finals of the Miami Open.
Tom Hill and Danielle Collins first met at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Danielle Collins was training at the sports facility whilst Tom Hill had agreed to hit, as a favour to top agent Max Eisenbud, with the IMG players preparing for the US Open. Later in the year, requiring someone to travel with her to Japan, she reached out to Tom who was back in the UK. They formed a formidable team and had lots of fun times on the road with many stories to tell of them overcoming adversities, but importantly achieving great success. Danielle Collins who was a two time NCAA Singles Champion – one of only 7 women to ever achieve this accolade – flourished in the partnership and Hill was grateful for the break she gave him.
Tom’s Coaching Highlights
Maria Sakkari
Maria Sakkari
Maria Sakkari
Maria Sakkari
Tom Hill has always been a driven individual. He is the youngest Gold Coach on the WTA Tour coaching a top 10 player and was nominated for WTA Coach of the Year in 2021 and 2022, one of only a handful to be nominated two years in a row.
