Sabalenka stunned by Vekic in Dubai

Playing her first match since defending the Australian Open title, Aryna Sabalenka squandered a set and 2-0 lead and suffered a surprising defeat in the second round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships at the hands of Donna Vekic, 6-7(5) 6-3 6-0.

Aryna SabalenkaTuesday’s match started well for Sabalenka, who took a commanding 5-3 lead in the first set before Vekic mounted a comeback to force a tiebreaker. Sabalenka managed to secure the set but couldn’t maintain her momentum.

Reflecting on her mindset early in the match, Vekic admitted that she had already pictured herself on the beach. However, a crucial slice passing shot turned the tide in her favor, as she started recovering from…