Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka has talked about how she deals with defeats differently from the past and seemed to take a dig at some of her fellow players.
Sabalenka won her second consecutive Australian Open to start the season. She then took some time deserved time off before returning at this week's Dubai Championships to play her first match since that triumph.
However, it was not a successful to return to action for the world No. 2. Sabalenka was stunned by Donna Vekic in three sets. She took the opening set but still fell to her Croatian opponent, who played a great match.
It is understandable that Sabalenka was not at her best in her first match back. Having not played in Doha last week, she may have been underprepared for the Middle East Swing, with the upcoming US swing perhaps being of greater focus.
After the match, a journalist noted that Sabalenka seemed to have a good perspective and was not too disappointed after the defeat. The Belarusian gave an interesting answer, which seemed to be a jab towards at least one other WTA player.
"I've been on tour for a while. Acting like some of the players- if you know who I am talking about- being really... against the opponent, being sad here. I passed this stage."
It is not clear which other players Sabalenka is referring to. The relations between the WTA players at the very top of the game have always seemed cordial, which means further clarity from the two-time Australian Open champion would be interesting.
It is also fascinating to understand the differing attitudes Sabalenka has as she gets older. The approach she describes probably helps her to process setbacks faster and move on quicker.
The Belarusian will now turn her attention to the Indian Wells Open. She was the runner-up there last year, and Sabalenka is also one of the players set to play the Eisenhower Cup during Indian Wells.
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