Aryna Sabalenka Reflects on Key Lesson After Loss to Elena Rybakina at WTA Finals
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka admitted she has more to learn about maintaining focus and motivation after her unexpected defeat to Elena Rybakina in the WTA Finals group stage. Despite already securing a spot in the semifinals, Sabalenka struggled to find her rhythm against Rybakina, who capitalized on her chances to claim the win.
Sabalenka acknowledged the challenge of staying mentally sharp in matches where the stakes are seemingly lower, saying, “I need to learn how to keep myself motivated and 100% focused, even when the only rewards are points and prize money.” She also noted her emotional lapse in the first set and recognized the need to better handle such situations, particularly against opponents with nothing to lose
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This loss might serve as a valuable lesson for Sabalenka as she prepares for the semifinals and looks ahead to the 2025 season as the year-end World No. 1. She has expressed her ambition to dominate the tour in the way Serena Williams once did, a goal that will require continued growth in both her mental and physical game