Aryna Sabalenka has revealed that her loss to Madison Keys in the Australian Open was tough to move past. The world No. 1, who had an impressive run to win the 2024 Grand Slam without dropping a set, was unexpectedly defeated by Keys in Melbourne. Reflecting on the loss, Sabalenka admitted it was difficult to shake off, with the defeat lingering in her thoughts for a week.
“This one was the toughest one. I think for a week I was still thinking about that match,” Sabalenka said in Doha ahead of the Qatar Open. “Looking back at those two lost games in the final set, I didn’t do anything wrong; she just played unbelievably, and it was her day. There’s nothing to regret. I think I’m fully recovered now after that tough match.”
Sabalenka is aiming to bounce back in Qatar at the first WTA 1000 event of the year, followed by the Dubai tournament later this month. Her focus will then shift to the Sunshine Double—the Indian Wells and Miami Opens in the US.
“The schedule is tough, especially after going deep in the Australian Open, with little time to recover for these big events,” she said. “I’ll treat these next two tournaments as preparation for the Sunshine Double, trying to elevate my tennis in the process.”
Sabalenka also praised Belinda Bencic for her triumph at the Abu Dhabi Open, just 10 months after giving birth. “It’s impressive, honestly,” she said. “She just came back, had a great run at the Australian Open, and now she’s holding the trophy. It’s amazing, and I’m super happy for her. She definitely deserved it. It gives us hope that, when we decide to have babies, we can come back if we want to.”
Sabalenka will face either Emma Raducanu or Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in the round of 32 at the Qatar Open.