SUMMARY
- Aryna Sabalenka faced a major disappointment, as she lost the very first match after winning the Australian Open.
- Even though she was knocked out of the Dubai championships, Sabalenka kept her humor intact.
Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka faced a major setback in Dubai. Sabalenka lost her very first match since winning the Australian Open in January. Even though she crashed out of the Dubai Tennis Championships, she resorted to humor, winning the adoration of fans.
Sabalenka took on Donna Vekic in the Round of 32 match. The two players go back a long way, with Vekic dominating their matchups. Aryna started off well, claiming the opening set, but Vekic staged a remarkable comeback. She ended up overpowering Sabalenka, marking her sixth victory over the world No. 2 in eight matches.
As joyous as the occasion was for Donna, Sabalenka was heartbroken. Aryna’s humorous side made an appearance during the post-match interview. Even though the loss hurt Sabalenka, she managed to make the interviewers laugh. “Now I’m gonna go and cry,” she said as she left the room.
Now im gonna go and cry arina dubai press conference post match pic.twitter.com/ct23XYSSO3
— Ashley’s Media (@mediagnome16) February 20, 2024
Sabalenka had an incredible start to the season, as she made it to the finals of the Brisbane International. She followed it up by successfully defending her title in Melbourne. Unfortunately, she could not carry her winning momentum to the Middle East, as Vekic put an end to the Sabalenka juggernaut.
The video of Aryna’s interaction with the press has surfaced online, winning the hearts of tennis fans. Sabalenka is one of the favorites among fans, and this video has endeared her to them even more. Users loved that she kept her humor intact, even in the face of loss.
She’s really funny I love that about her
— Rorisang. (@RoriMoseli) February 20, 2024
I love her https://t.co/4iLIbw67aA
— Sithelo (@Sithelosenkosi) February 20, 2024
Aryna Sabalenka will want to move on from this as quickly as possible. The tour is only in its second month, and Sabalenka will have ample opportunities to collect titles. She already has her eye on the Eisenhower Cup.
Aryna Sabalenka and others set to play at the Eisenhower Cup
The Eisenhower Cup is set to return ahead of Indian Wells in March. It is a one-night-only mixed doubles tournament with a mouthwatering lineup this year.
Aryna Sabalenka will team up with Taylor Fritz this year, once again, after winning the title last year. The event will see Iga Swiatek partnering up with Hubert Hurkacz, as Paula Badosa will take to the courts with Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The lineup for this year’s Eisenhower Cup presented by @Masimo is 🔥
🎾 Sabalenka & Fritz
🎾 Swiatek & Hurkacz
🎾 Badosa & Tsitsipas
🎾 Wozniacki & Rune
🎾 Pegula & Paul
🎾 Rybakina & Rublev
🎾 Navarro & Shelton
🎾 Zheng & Tiafoe@tiebreaktens | #TennisParadise— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) February 20, 2024
Eight teams will be competing for a $200,000 prize, and the proceeds will go to local charities. The tournament will employ the Tie Break Tens format, where the first team to reach 10 points with a lead of 2 is the winner.
Aryna Sabalenka is well-familiar with the event and hopes to replicate last year’s success. Moreover, it will also serve as a warm-up for the next WTA 1000 event, Indian Wells.
