Ranked eighth in the world, Sakkari suffered a shock loss to 71st-ranked Rebeka Masarova at the U.S. Open.
"My level has been low and I have to do something about it. I don't know what to do," said the Greek, who broke down at the press conference afterwards.
The strong images made an impression.
"Because of the pictures that were broadcast around the world, there were many people who showed me sympathy and gave their support. That's what kept me going," Sakkari said, according to WTA.
In the final in Mexico, Sakkari beat American Caroline Dolehide 7-5,6-3 to claim only her second WTA title – four years after the first.
"I'm very proud of myself. After the US Open, I wanted to take a break to find my way back to the joy again. It's a big title, my biggest title and it means so much. Above all, it means happiness and pure joy," says Sakkari, who is now sixth in the world after the title in Mexico.