As the 2025 tennis season unfolds, world number one Aryna Sabalenka continues to grapple with the ghosts of her previous performances. Sabalenka, who seemed poised to clinch the Australian Open title earlier this year, was stopped in her tracks by a stellar performance from Madison Keys. This unexpected upset prevented the Belarusian star from securing her third consecutive victory at Melbourne Park.
Despite being the clear favorite in the Australian Open final, Sabalenka seemed unable to handle the mounting pressure. The disappointment from the defeat still lingers, casting a shadow over her subsequent performances. This was evident when she returned to action three weeks post the Australian Open, with the aftershocks of the loss still palpable.
The repercussions of her disappointing performance manifested in Sabalenka’s subsequent early exits from two prestigious tournaments – Doha and Dubai. Her form on the court indicated a sense of confusion, which her opponents capitalized on to secure significant victories, considering the hefty points these tournaments contribute to the WTA rankings.
However, Sabalenka’s position at the summit of the WTA rankings remains unthreatened, with competitors Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff failing to capitalize on her premature exits. The Belarusian champion candidly admitted her current struggles during her recent press conference, confessing to a lack of motivation and emotional unrest.
“I’m not as driven and eager on the court as I should be. My mind is cluttered with thoughts, which is hampering my brilliance on the court. I find myself making wrong decisions more often than I’d like. Emotionally, I’m not at my best,” she shared.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka aims to regain her form at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, a prestigious tournament where a strong performance could mark a turning point in her season. However, her competitors, sensing vulnerability, are poised to bring their best game against her, as demonstrated by Clara Tauson recently.
For Sabalenka, the challenge going forward is not just about winning matches. It’s about finding a way to put the specter of the Australian Open final to rest and preventing it from overshadowing the rest of her season. Only time will tell if the world number one can eclipse her recent disappointments with a triumphant return to form.
