Sabalenka's match ended abruptly. Sad moments in Stuttgart Tennis

2024-04-18 05:04:00

The world’s second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka (2nd WTA) was in big trouble during the 1/8-finals of the WTA 500 tournament on clay courts in Stuttgart. In the third game of the deciding set, she lost her serve, and a moment later she was losing 1:3. However, she was able to lead to a draw 3:3. Then Paula Badosa (93rd WTA), who took a medical break at the end of the second set, decided to give up the match due to a thigh injury in her left leg.

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Aryna Sabalenka: I love this girl and I feel so bad

– I think that in a competitive atmosphere it is very important to have a friend. I love this girl and I feel so bad. Paula isn’t feeling well and I was literally about to cry a moment ago. It was a close call. I feel sorry for her and really hope she recovers as soon as possible and will be ready to play in Madrid. I will say once again that I am really grateful to have a friend like Paula, said Aryna Sabalenka after the meeting, which lasted two hours and 20 minutes.

The Belarusian had problems from the beginning of the match. In the first set she was already losing 2:4, and at 5:6 she had to defend two set balls on her serve. She played well in the tie-break, which she won 7:4. In the second game, Sabalenka lost her serve twice and the score was 2:5, but she ultimately lost 4:6.

– The first set was at a great level. I think I gave it my all, fought hard and won it. In the second game, Paula played at an incredible level, she really wanted to win it and she succeeded, added the Belarusian.

Sabalenka and Badosa played against each other in Stuttgart for the third year in a row. Each time, the second-ranked player in the world ranking won.

The Belarusian, seeded number two in the tournament, will face the winner of the match in the quarterfinals: Marketa Vondrousova (8th WTA) – Anastazja Potapova (36th WTA).

Seeded number one is the best tennis player in the world, Iga Świątek, who will start the competition on Thursday. He will face Belgian Elise Mertens (30th WTA). The match starts at 17. Live coverage on Sport.pl and in the Sport.pl LIVE application.