"It’s normal to have a little bit of down": Aryna Sabalenka may need time to adjust to World No.1 says Alex Corretja

Alex Corretja talked about the current situation of Aryna Sabalenka and her quarterfinal exit at the Beijing Open.

The Belarusian has spent 5 weeks since she reached world No. 1 during her campaign at the US Open, where she finished as the runner-up, losing in the final to Coco Gauff. Nevertheless, it was enough for her to claim the top spot in the rankings from Iga Swiatek.

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Last week, Sabalenka participated in the WTA 1000 Beijing Open but fell in the quarterfinals to the 5th seed, Elena Rybakina. Former tennis player Alex Corretja discussed the world No. 1's exit from the tournament and opined that it's normal to have moments when one's level drops.

"I think you spend so much time thinking and dreaming, practicing, and working to become No. 1 that probably once you achieve that, it’s normal to have a little bit of down, a little bit of relief, a little bit of time to understand what’s going on," he said to Eurosport.

"What people expect from you, also fans, also yourself from you when you go on the tournament, how much you think you need to play better because you’re at the best or the No. 1 in the world," Corretja added.

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"The important thing in the end is you’ve the consistency the whole year that then you’re capable to be as good as you can in the moments that are more important. If they’re the Slams, if they’re the Masters 1000 or year-end championship, then you need to be ready and give your best,"

"Let’s say if you would be No. 3 in the world and you lose in the quarters against [Rybakina], you won’t be surprised. [Then] Why should you be surprised [when] you’re No. 1? It doesn’t matter if [Aryna Sabalenka] has been more regular through the year and you have more points, doesn’t mean you cannot lose to anyone anymore," he concluded.

The Belarusian now awaits the final challenge of the year at the WTA Finals, which begin on October 29th. She aims to surpass her second-place finish from last year and prevent Swiatek from regaining the world No. 1 ranking in the year's last tournament.