Aryna Sabalenka had a hilarious response when requested what was going by means of her thoughts when 5-0 up on Elena Rybakina, joking the Kazakh was a really good particular person so she needed to let her again into the match.
Within the opening singles match of this yr’s World Tennis League in Dubai, the Belarusian edged out the 2022 Wimbledon winner 7-6 (3).
When the match began, it was all however an in depth or tight encounter because the world No. 1 simply gained the opening 5 video games. However then, Sabalenka missed out on two match factors within the seventh recreation – three within the eighth recreation – one within the ninth recreation – and two within the tenth recreation as Rybakina tied the conflict to 5 video games apiece.
Whereas the world No. 1 did not convert one other match level within the twelfth recreation, she a minimum of managed to get better from a 1-3 deficit within the tie-break and nonetheless seal the win after realizing her tenth match level.
Sabalenka: I used to be telling myself you can’t be that robust on Rybakina
Throughout her on-court interview, the three-time Grand Slam champion was requested what she was pondering simply earlier than practically blowing an enormous lead.
Aryna Sabalenka© X screenshot
“I was just telling myself you can’t be that tough on Elena. She’s such a nice person. You cannot do that to her. So okay, let’s be friendly get it to five all and then we will see who is going to get that one,” the 26-year-old hilariously said.
Sabalenka on what she was thinking after almost blowing a 5-0 lead against Rybakina at World Tennis League:
“I was just telling myself you can’t be that tough on Elena. She’s such a nice person. You cannot do that to her. Let’s be friendly.” 😂😂😂😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 19, 2024
A month and a half ago, Sabalenka was beaten by Rybakina during the WTA Finals group stage after the former world No. 3 registered a 6-4 3-6 6-1 win.
“It was a tough match. I’m really happy I managed to win. It’s nice to finish the year with at least one win against the world No. 1,” the Kazakh stated following their WTA Finals match.
