Sabalenka Cites Lack of Focus in Dubai Exit as Tauson Secures Career-Breakthrough Win

Posted : 20 February 2025

Aryna Sabalenka attributed her unexpected exit in the Dubai last-16 to a lack of focus and determination, following her defeat to world number 38 Clara Tauson. The world No 1, who has been struggling to find her form during the Middle East swing, admitted to being "all over the place" during the match. Sabalenka's performance in Dubai was underwhelming, as she fell to Tauson with a score of 6-3, 6-2, marking her third loss in four matches. This comes after a promising start to the season, where she clinched the Brisbane title and reached her third consecutive Australian Open final.

Sabalenka openly acknowledged her struggles, stating that she lacked the necessary hunger and consistency on the court. She admitted to making poor decisions and not being emotionally at her best during the match. Despite battling a cold in recent days, Sabalenka emphasized that her physical condition was not the primary issue. The Belarusian has historically struggled in the Middle East, failing to advance past the quarterfinals in Dubai and not achieving significant success in Doha since her 2020 title win. She expressed the need to reassess her preparation strategy for future tournaments in the region, acknowledging the toll that the Australian swing takes on her energy levels.

Clara Tauson, on the other hand, celebrated a career milestone with her first top-five victory against Sabalenka. The 22-year-old Dane, who had a grueling late-night match against Elina Svitolina the previous day, managed to maintain her composure and deliver a strong performance. Tauson credited her success to a relaxed mindset and the freedom of being the underdog. She expressed her excitement for the upcoming quarterfinal clash with Linda Noskova, who also caused an upset by defeating world No 5 Jessica Pegula. Tauson's victory marked a significant turnaround from her defeat to Sabalenka at the Australian Open just a month prior.

The tournament saw a series of upsets, with several top-seeded players, including Jasmine Paolini and Zheng Qinwen, bowing out early. Paolini's title defense ended abruptly with a loss to Sofia Kenin, while Zheng struggled with cramps during her defeat to Peyton Stearns. Zheng attributed her physical issues to the hot weather and the long delays caused by rain. Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek remained the sole top-five seed in the competition, advancing to the quarterfinals with a decisive victory over Dayana Yastremska. The Polish player's continued presence in the tournament highlighted her resilience amidst the challenges faced by other top contenders.

Sabalenka Cites Lack of Focus in Dubai Exit as Tauson Secures Career-Breakthrough Win

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