"We're never getting rid of Iga Swiatek as World No.1 are we?": Tennis fans react as Aryna Sabalenka dumped out by Donna Vekic in Dubai

After Aryna Sabalenka fell in a shocking loss to Donna Vekic at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, tennis fans have begun to wonder if anyone will be able to topple Iga Swiatek from the World No.1 position.

Vekic overcame some big-hitting from her Belarusian foe to secure a 6-7(5) 6-3 6-0 victory, advancing to face Romania's Sorana Cirstea in the round of 16. This was Sabalenka's first match since successfully defending her Australian Open title last month. Nonetheless, the World No.2's early loss ensured Swiatek would spend more time atop the WTA rankings.

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Tennis fans left shocked by Sabalenka's early loss

Following the two-time Australian Open champion's loss, fans took to social media to make their feelings known. While some seemed pleased for Vekic's well-earned victory, several were amused and even upset at Sabalenka's loss, with a few questioning whether anyone would catch up to Swiatek and replace the Polish star as the World No.1.

"Jesus Christ we’re never getting rid of Swiatek as world number 1 are we?" said exasperated fan on Twitter.

"A bagel? Seriously, Aryna?" said another fan in reference to the manner with which Sabalenka lost the final set.

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"Sabalenka when you said you wanted to get closer to iga as far as bagels go this is not what i thought you meant girl…" wrote another fan.

"Sabalenka's inconsistency is consistent," chimed in an observant fan.

"This is what happens when she gets a decent player in R1, not a qualifier. Donna is not a pushover," wrote a fan.