Aryna Sabalenka didn't speak to the media after her defeat to Mirra Andreeva at the 2024 French Open. Instead quotes were circulated after her loss as she declined to take part in a press conference citing medical reasons.
Sabalenka didn't look herself during her defeat to Andreeva who becomes the youngest semi-finalist since 1997 which was Martina Hingis back then. But now the 17-year-old will face off against Jasmine Paolini in the semi-final in her landmark run.
Whilst Sabalenka now heads towards the grass court season after an unfortunate end to her run. She said that she hasn't felt herself for a number of days. This was evidenced on court. She was drinking cans of Coca Cola throughout the tie likely in order to give her energy.
She also had a number of medical timeouts during the tie as Andreeva took full advantage to seal the win. At one point, it looked like Sabalenka was set to retire from the match. But gestured with her neck that she was seemingly done. But she won the tie-break which kept her on court. Albeit Andreeva won from there.
"I had a difficult time out there physically today," she said. "I have been very sick the last few days with some kind of stomach bug, so it's been a challenge. It has been a few days, yes. I did my best to try and manage it."
Sabalenka said that it had no bearing on her display and said that she still fought till the end. "No, I always do my best to fight to the end. I had to keep trying and just hope I could find a way and feel a bit better." She also called Andreeva 'a great player' and that she was 'fighting and doing everything' she could in order to beat her but alas it didn't happen.
"I will start training on grass as soon as I can," she added, outlining her upcoming schedule. "And then play in Berlin."
Read also
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Tennis "fans" have short memories. This is exactly who Saba always was... granted she found a 'new' persona when she began winning matches and tourneys. Off-court she's always been a racist potty-mouth. Her meanness also shines through when she thinks no one else is around. In short, the "person" you've witnessed in post-match on-court interviews is NOT who she is. As for her familiar "apologies, she can stick that routine in her racquet bags because I never believed her words nor phony "respect" for her opponents -- and I ain't buying that now.
mandoist15-11-2026 - Was Saba not paying attention to those who sought an inordinate amount of attention outside of their sport (occupation)... and to the point they lost their focus and eventually their place in tennis? For example: Giorgi, Bouchard, Raducanu, etc. They became infatuated with endless Selfies, videos, podcasts, TV commercials, magazine shoots, and so on. Thus their tennis suffered. Priorities are important.mandoist14-11-2026
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.mandoist12-11-2026
- Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
