Sabalenka’s four Grand Slam singles titles – two Australian Open and two US Open triumphs, all on hard courts – are more than most players can dream of.
However, she has also lost four major finals and six semi-finals, despite a consistency on the biggest stages that is unrivalled among her peers.
The concern in recent months has been Sabalenka’s mental focus disappearing in less pressurised situations.
This was most recently apparent in her Cincinnati Open fourth-round defeat by 20-year-old Czech opponent Sara Bejlek. Sabalenka led 5-1 in a first-set tie-break and 4-1 in the second set, but continued to lack composure in the rallies as Bejlek rallied to win 7-6 (9-7) 6-4.
At her previous tournament in Toronto, she lost to Russian world number 19 Ekaterina Alexandrova in the last 16 as her serve crumbled.
During the clay-court swing, Sabalenka capitulated after winning the first set against Hailey Baptiste in Madrid, Sorana Cirstea in Rome and, most notably, Diana Shnaider at Roland Garros.
“I work on my mental side of the game. I’ve been trying to reset my mind and to come back stronger,” a bullish Sabalenka said in New York.
“It’s only a matter of time for me to come back.”
Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/c4glzvq3pzno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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