Aryna Sabalenka’s French Open campaign took an unexpected turn as she bowed out of the tournament following a surprising loss to Mirra Andreeva. The 26-year-old Belarusian tennis star opted out of her scheduled press conference, citing ‘medical reasons’ after her quarter-final exit.
Sabalenka’s Struggles on Court
During the match against Andreeva, Sabalenka displayed visible signs of discomfort, requiring medical attention throughout the game. Despite managing to win the first-set tiebreak, her physical issues persisted, affecting her performance.
Andreeva’s Remarkable Victory
Taking advantage of Sabalenka’s vulnerability, Andreeva, aged just 17, capitalized on the opportunity and secured a notable victory. Her win made her the youngest player to reach a Grand Slam semi-final in the current century.
Disappointment in Media Appearance
Fans eagerly awaited Sabalenka’s explanation for her performance, but were left disappointed when she failed to appear for her post-match press conference. A tournament statement clarified that Sabalenka’s absence was due to ongoing medical concerns.
Tournament Implications
Sabalenka’s unexpected exit from the French Open leaves Iga Swiatek as the dominant force in the tournament, poised for a potential third consecutive title. Meanwhile, Andreeva’s impressive performance sets up an intriguing semi-final clash with Jasmine Paolini.