Dubai: Aryna Sabalenka blows big lead versus Donna Vekic after shocking collapse

Aryna Sabalenka suffered a shock loss in her first post-Australian Open win match because the Belarusian was up by a set and a break earlier than shedding in three units to Donna Vekic.

Sabalenka, the second-seeded participant in Dubai, had a 7-6 (5) 2-0 lead over Vekic earlier than struggling a stunning collapse and the Thirty first-ranked Croatian coming again to win 6-7 (5) 6-3 6-0. Earlier than coming to Dubai, Sabalenka went 11-1 in Australia as she completed as runner-up on the Brisbane Worldwide earlier than successful the Australian Open. Though this was Sabalenka’s first match for the reason that Australian Open, the Belarusian was extensively thought-about among the many prime favorites for the Dubai title together with Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina.

How Sabalenka misplaced to Vekic?

After discovering herself down by an early break, Sabalenka responded by breaking Vekic within the fourth and eighth video games to take a 5-3 lead. However then, Sabalenka began struggling to shut out the set because the second seed didn’t serve out for the primary set within the ninth recreation earlier than additionally lacking out on three consecutive set factors on Vekic’s serve within the twelfth recreation. 

However after lacking out on just a few possibilities to win the primary set, Sabalenka received 5 consecutive factors within the first-set tie-break to open a 5-2 lead earlier than changing her sixth set level to win the opener.

After successful a decent first set, Sabalenka additionally began the second set with an early break and a 2-0 lead. Then, Sabalenka’s collapse begins because the Belarusian loses 12 of the subsequent 13 video games and Vekic completes a serious comeback.

Vekic, who now owns a 6-2 head-to-head in opposition to Sabalenka, admitted she did not anticipate a lot earlier than going through the 2024 Australian Open champion.

“I did not have large expectations coming to Dubai. Advised my coach that I am taking this week as half holidays. I can inform you I spent extra time on the seaside than on the courtroom. Possibly that is a great way going ahead,” Vekic mentioned after beating Sabalenka.