Tennis - Australian open 2024 -
Aryna Sabalenka stumbled in her first match in nearly a month since winning the Australian Open as she crashed out on Tuesday at the WTA Dubai 1000 event.
The world No. 2 and second seed was ambushed by dangerous longtime opponent Donna Vekic, with the Croat posting a 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-0 second-round upset.
Sabalenka has not played since defeating Zheng Quinwen for the Melbourne Grand Slam title; Vekic dominates their career series 6-2, with Sabalenka winning their last meeting in the 2023 Australian Open quarter-finals.
“It was a tough match, she’s a great player and I had to bring my best tennis,” the 27-year-old winner said.
Vekic, who swept 12 of the last 13 games in her fightback, came from a set and a break down in a victory which lasted for almost two and a half hours.
Main photo:- Aryna Sabalenka with the 2024 Australian Open Trophy by ISF Ltd
Doping sanction victim Simona Halep has gone online to protest her own treatment by anti-doping…
Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…