Aryna Sabalenka delivers brutally honest assessment after Mirra Andreeva annihilation at WTA Finals
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka lost the final 11 games in a demolition job successfully done by Mirra Andreeva. The 19-year-old debutant disposed of the two-time runner-up in truly rampant fashion at the WTA Finals, winning 6-4, 6-0 in a statement display that has put forward her title credentials. For Sabalenka, it is another bump on a rocky road that she has been riding on much of 2026.
The only real time it smoothed out was last year's Sunshine swing, where she won both Indian Wells and Miami Open. A return to Tennis Paradise started well with a tight straight sets win over Karolina Muchova. A victory for her or Andreeva would have almost guaranteed qualification.
That is exactly what occurred for Andreeva. It was Sabalenka who got the better start, breaking the serve en route to a 4-1 lead. She would not win another game from that point onwards. Andreeva was ruthless, storming back into the set and seizing it with no relenting.
Dropping just two points on serve in the second set, the route back into the contest was firmly blocked off for Sabalenka, who was basically a bystander as her opponent sailed into the semi-finals, leaving a lot of work for the four-time Grand Slam champion to do against Elina Svitolina in her final round robin match.
Sabalenka was furious with her display but at least saw the funny side of it when speaking to Christian's Court. The Belarusian was asked what she would tell herself if she was coaching herself. "What a F*****g loser," she said, laughing.
This severe and even harsh feedback represents Sabalenka's mindset. A perfectionist on court, when it is not going right, she is not afraid to say how it is. It is not all doom and gloom, with her chances of qualifying still very much in her hands.
"I would tell myself to keep trying," she continued. "Just because things didn't go well today doesn't mean tomorrow will be the same. I work hard and I know I can bounce back."
Aryna Sabalenka needs to defeat Elina Svitolina in her final group match to advance
Sabalenka not panicking with work to do
Sabalenka continued to speak to the media following that tragic defeat. She made sure to give her flowers to a spectacular performance by Andreeva, only her second win over the former World No.1
Despite this, she could still not put her finger on why she was not at the races. "I have no idea right now, but I have to say that she played great tennis, that's for sure. I was just struggling to find my rhythm. The good news is that I still have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals, so let's see."
That is the crucial silver lining in all of this. The top two from each group go into the knockout phase. Linda Noskova has already completed that, with her and Andreeva showing the more experienced foes how it is done. For Muchova and alternate Marta Kostyuk, their time in California is up.
While their race is up, Sabalenka is staying cool. She sits second in Group B ahead of Svitolina, and the winner in Friday's showdown will go into the semi-finals. "No panic right now," she said. "But I'll definitely do some extra work tomorrow and make sure that I come out and play better tennis in the next match."
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She will look to get that added motivation from the crowd at Indian Wells. The usual business and crowded nature of the location that normally hosts Masters and WTA 100 events is not there with just the top eight WTA players in action. While it is more derelict than usual, on the court it feels similar.
"I don't feel like there are really that few people. I mean, over here it feels like there's no one, but in the stadium it feels almost packed. I still feel the same atmosphere and the same support, and I enjoy it just as much as I do during Indian Wells. For me, the atmosphere is quite motivating."
Lucas MichaelTennis Journalist
Lucas Michael is a tennis journalist based in Cambridge, UK, specializing in comprehensive coverage of the ATP and WTA tours. For the past 1.5 years, he has been a core contributor to TennisUpToDate, where he has authored more than 3,000 data-driven match reports, deep-dive analysis pieces, and engaging liveblogs.
Lucas pairs real-time statistical analysis with on-the-ground reporting, frequently traveling to tournaments to cover the action firsthand from the press box and player press conferences. This blend of advanced metrics and direct access allows him to provide sharp context regarding player form, tactical trends, and breaking tour developments.
He holds a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism. Grounded in core journalistic ethics, Lucas places a strict emphasis on meticulous sourcing, editorial accuracy, and a commitment to updating live content swiftly as verified information emerges.
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- 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
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
