Aryna Sabalenka, the talented tennis player who successfully defended her Australian Open title, faced a shocking defeat at the Dubai Championships. In a surprising turn of events, she lost her first match since the Australian Open to an old rival, Donna Vekic of Croatia. The No. 2-ranked Sabalenka was seemingly in control, blowing a set and a 2-0 lead, allowing Vekic to rally back and claim victory with a score of 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-0 in the second round.
On the other hand, No. 3 Elena Rybakina managed to avoid an upset when Victoria Azarenka was forced to retire in distress. Despite Azarenka winning the first set 6-4, she struggled with increasing pain and ultimately had to concede the match after losing the second set 6-2. Rybakina’s journey in the Dubai Championships continued while Azarenka’s was cut short due to her physical condition.
Sabalenka and Vekic have a history that spans eight years on the tour, with Vekic dominating the early matchups between them. However, Sabalenka turned the tables and achieved a Grand Slam breakthrough by defeating Vekic in the Australian quarterfinals last year on her way to claiming her first major title. Despite this significant victory, Vekic showed her prowess once again by securing her sixth win against Sabalenka in their eight encounters.
The match between Sabalenka and Vekic was intense, with Sabalenka initially taking the lead before Vekic staged an impressive comeback. Sabalenka’s frustration was evident as she struggled with her performance, feeling that the conditions in Dubai did not suit her style of play. Vekic, on the other hand, remained aggressive and focused, steadily improving her accuracy and ultimately outplaying Sabalenka to claim a well-deserved victory.
In addition to the surprising outcome of Sabalenka’s match, other notable players had a successful day at the Dubai Championships. Wimbledon champion and No. 7 seed Marketa Vondrousova secured a hard-fought win against Peyton Stearns, further establishing her reputation as a skilled competitor. No. 8 Maria Sakkari, along with former champions Jelena Ostapenko and Elina Svitolina, also advanced to the last 16, showcasing their determination and skill on the court.
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