Video: Sabalenka bursts into tears during woeful performance against Peterson

Aryna Sabalenka has had a difficult start to the 2022 season, losing both of her opening round matches in dramatic fashion as she prepares for the Australian Open.

The World No.2 lost to Sweden's Rebecca Peterson in three sets in her first match at the Adelaide International II, squandering a one set lead as Peterson mounted a comeback. However, the match was highlighted by an abysmal serving performance by the Belarusian, who hit 21 double faults during the entire match.

This would be the second consecutive match that Sabalenka had hit over 15 double faults, as she committed 18 double faults in her previous match which was also an opening round loss. Nonetheless, the top seed seemed distraught as her match against Peterson progressed, as she was caught breaking into tears at some point in the third set.

Things were so bad that umpire Julie Kjendlie asked Sabalenka if she was alright or injured at the changeover due to the catastrophic struggles with her serve, to which the Belarusian replied “Nothing is wrong. It’s a technical problem."