Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka withdraws from Qatar Open
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the Qatar Open in Doha, which begins on February 13 at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
Sabalenka began 2023 after a complicated 2022 season. The Belarusian could not win a title and reflected during this year's Australian Open on the struggles she endured on serve throughout 2022.
However, Sabalenka made a statement to her rivals by securing the Adelaide International 1 title in her opening tournament of the season. She overcame the talented 17-year-old Linda Fruhvirtova in the final after a ruthless performance.
The 24-year-old proved that her level in Adelaide was not an aberration at the Australian Open. She stormed to a maiden Grand Slam final without dropping a set, dominating every match and not giving any opponent a chance to win.
Elena Rybakina also did not lose a set during her run to the final in Melbourne, raising expectations for an epic women's singles final at the Australian Open. Fortunately, both women delivered.
Sabalenka and Rybakina contested one of the most high-quality Australian Open finals ever. After much incredible shot-making from both women, Sabalenka secured a first Grand Slam title by triumphing 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
The aftermath of winning a major title is not something Sabalenka will not have been used to. Some players have made the mistake of playing again too soon after succeeding on one of the biggest stages in tennis.
Sabalenka has sought to avoid that fate by withdrawing from this month's Qatar Open. The Belarusian's decision may have been challenging because of the tournament's importance, but it is also understandable.
Although Sabalenka's withdrawal is a blow to the event, many other top WTA players have committed to playing at the tournament. Fans should still enjoy a week filled with superb tennis from beginning to end at the Middle Eastern tournament.
