Sabalenka’s emotional rollercoaster ends with Miami Open exit

MIAMI: Aryna Sabalenka’s journey at the Miami Open concluded in a flurry of emotions on Saturday, marked by her defeat to Anhelina Kalinina. Following a strenuous week marred by the tragic loss of her former boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, Sabalenka displayed immense resilience by returning to the court for her second consecutive day. However, despite a valiant effort in her previous match against Paula Badosa, the world number two struggled to maintain her momentum against Kalinina.

The match proved to be a physically and emotionally demanding ordeal for Sabalenka, evident in her fluctuating performance throughout the encounter. As the final point slipped away, Sabalenka’s anguish overflowed, culminating in a visceral outburst where she demolished her racquet in frustration at center court. In a poignant moment of defeat, she departed the court without extending the customary handshake to her opponent.(Reuters)