Aryna Sabalenka says she needs to change how she prepares for tournaments after the Australian Open, as she has lost three out of her last four matches on the Tour.
The world No.1 suffered a shock exit at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Wednesday after falling in straight sets (6-3, 6-2) to Denmark’s Clara Tauson. Sabalenka won just 45% of her service points and was largely outplayed by her rival. It is the second tournament in a row where she has failed to win back-to-back matches.
“I believe that I’m not that hungry on court,” the three-time Grand Slam champion said after her latest defeat.
“I’m kind of all over the place in my thoughts and not consistent on the court. The decisions I’m making on the court are a bit wrong and emotionally, I’m not at my best.”
Sabalenkla has experienced a mixed start to the season. In Australia, she won her 18th WTA title in Brisbane before going on to reach the final of the Australian Open, where she was beaten by Madison Keys. However, in the Middle East, she lost her opening match at the Qatar Open last week to Ekaterina Alexandrova before losing her second match played in Dubai this week to Tauson.
“I’d say that for the last couple of years, I’m not doing well in the Middle East. I believe we need to change something in the preparation,” Sabalenka stated.
“Every time I don’t feel well playing here. Even health-wise I’m struggling. Australia always takes a lot of energy out of me.
“I believe we just need to think with the team for the future how we can improve or get better in the preparation for the Middle East.”
The 26-year-old has previously experienced success in this part of the world, winning the Doha title in 2020 and Abu Dhabi in 2021.
Sabalenka’s next scheduled tournament is the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. She is a former finalist at the WTA 1000 event but lost in the fourth round 12 months ago.
