Aryna Sabalenka’s Lack of Focus Contributes to Dubai Championships Defeat

Eppe Franklyne –

• Aryna Sabalenka attributed her loss to Clara Tauson at the Dubai Championships to a lack of focus and motivation.
• Sabalenka has struggled for form since failing to win a third consecutive Australian Open.
• Clara Tauson secured her first WTA 1000 quarter-final by defeating Sabalenka, avenging a loss in Melbourne.
• Other notable results included Elena Rybakina‘s tight win over Paula Badosa, and Iga Swiatek‘s dominant victory.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka was eliminated from the Dubai Championships in the last-16, suffering a 6-3, 6-2 defeat to Clara Tauson, ranked 38th in the world. Following the loss, Sabalenka admitted that a lack of focus and motivation played a significant role in her early exit from the tournament.

Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, has struggled with consistency since failing to win a third consecutive Australian Open title last month. After winning the Brisbane title to start the season, she was also defeated by Ekaterina Alexandrova in the second round of Doha last week. Sabalenka reflected on her challenges in the Middle East, saying, “For the last couple of years, I’m not doing well here,” and emphasized the need for a change in her preparation for the region.

The 26-year-old Belarusian revealed that physical struggles, particularly after her Australian Open run, have contributed to her inconsistency on court. “I believe that I’m not that hungry on court… I’m kind of like all over the place in my thoughts and not consistent,” Sabalenka explained.

In contrast, Clara Tauson, 22, played with a clear mind and broke Sabalenka’s serve six times, marking her first-ever WTA 1000 quarter-final appearance. Tauson was motivated by her earlier loss to Sabalenka at the Australian Open and took advantage of her opportunities in Dubai. “I was really free in my mind… I knew she had to beat me and I’m the underdog,” Tauson shared after her victory.

Other results from the Dubai Championships saw Elena Rybakina, seeded sixth, edge past Paula Badosa in a tight match, 4-6, 7-6(8), 7-6(2). Meanwhile, world number two Iga Swiatek breezed into the quarter-finals with a 7-5, 6-0 win over Dayana Yastremska. Defending champion Jasmine Paolini‘s title defense came to an end with a 6-4, 6-0 loss to American wildcard Sofia Kenin.