"I can't believe how tough this girl is": Aryna Sabalenka's grit and fighting spirit hailed by Andrea Petkovic after Madrid Open loss

Although Aryna Sabalenka fell in a thrilling final at the 2024 Madrid Open, the Belarusian has received high praise for her performance by many, including former World No.9 Andrea Petkovic.

The reigning Australian Open champion battled World No.1 Iga Swiatek in a thrilling final. After fighting back from a set down, she would squander a handful of championship points before losing to the Polish star in three sets. Despite failing to retain her title, Sabalenka displayed her typical fighting spirit that has enamored her to thousands of fans worldwide.

The retired German tennis player was full of complements for Sabalenka following the final. Additionally, Petkovic highlighted the improvements made by the World No.2, stating she had taken her game to a different level.

"And boy oh boy is Aryna Sabalenka a tough m***********," said Petkovic in an appearance on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast. "I was like, constantly just tipping my hat that I did not wear. I was like, 'I can't believe how tough this girl is.'
"The amount of fight and tenacity this girl has, I was, I mean apart from the tennis, we all know that Sabalenka can just overwhelm anybody. And not only outpower, but also, you can see how much he has worked on her fitness, she's moving so well, she's a threat even from a defensive position."