Maria Sakkari in tears as curse continues, complains about marijuana at US Open

Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari was in tears after her US Open exit, complaining about a distraction as her grand slam woes continued.

Tennis star Maria Sakkari has suffered a shocking first round exit at the US Open, leaving her in tears during the post-match press conference.

The Sun reports the eighth seed lost to World No. 71 Rebeka Masarova in two sets after complaining about the smell of marijuana during the match.

Sakkari brought the odour to the umpire’s attention as she led 4-1 in the first set.

“The smell, oh my gosh,” she said. “I think it’s from the park.”

The Greek star eventually fell 6-4 6-4, crashing out in the first round of a grand slam tournament for the third time in a row.

But she didn’t want to use the foul smell as an excuse.

“It wasn’t the smell that affected the score in any way,” she said.

Maria Sakkari didn't enjoy the smell of weed during her match. Photo: Twitter.

“It was just a comment because it was smelling quite a lot – but it has nothing to do with the match.

She added: “Sometimes you smell food, sometimes you smell cigarettes, sometimes you smell weed.

“I mean, it’s something we cannot control because we’re in an open space. There’s a park behind. People can do whatever they want.”

Maria Sakkari’s grand slam struggles continued. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Australia’s Nick Kyrgios made a similar complaint during last year’s US Open.

Sakkari got emotional later in the press conference as the tennis star discussed what she herself described as a “poor” level of play in recent months.

“Maybe I have to take a break,” she said, contemplating taking an extended period away from the tour.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do, I’m suffering on the court.

“I’m trying to do everything to improve myself.”

Sakkari reached the US Open semi-finals two years ago.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Maria Sakkari in tears as curse continues, complains about marijuana at US Open