Sabalenka's 2024 China Open journey came to an end in the quarterfinals when she was defeated by Karolina Muchova with a score of 7(7)-6(5), 2-6, and 6-4. Despite winning her third Grand Slam at the Flushing Meadows earlier in the season, the Belarusian couldn't secure a victory in Shanghai. Sabalenka expressed her joy after returning to the country, where she has a strong fan base, after a five-year absence. Notably, she has claimed four titles in China, a feat she shares with Agnieszka Radwanska. Although she had a strong start, she was unable to advance past the quarterfinals against the formidable opponent Muchova.
"The conditions here are so tough, it can go one way or the other. There were a couple of great returns from her, she got the momentum and started playing more aggressively," said Sabalenka
"It was a really high-level match and she played some unbelievable tennis" added Sabalenka
Sabalenka assured fans of a strong return via her Instagram
After concluding her Shanghai campaign with a heartbreak, Sabalenka embarked on a reflective journey. It wasn't her words that sparked interest, but rather her boyfriend's touching gesture that was highlighted as Sabalenka's driving force. In a world where victories come and go, Sabalenka's relationship asserts that love truly alleviates the burden of crumbling dominance.
Aryna Sabalenka expressed her determination to make a strong comeback in China and extended her gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support on her Instagram.
Sabalenka shared a series of captivating photos from her trip to the China Open. From sporting a charming tennis skirt to indulging in self-care, exploring the city, signing autographs for her fans, and enjoying cozy moments with her partner Georgios Frangulis, Sabalenka's China Open experience was truly delightful.
“Thank you, @chinaopen—motivated to come back even stronger next time. Thank you for all the support,” captioned Sabalenka.
Check the pictures posted by Sabalenka here:
Despite experiencing heartbreak, her multi-millionaire boyfriend Frangulis ensured that she received all the comfort she needed. Encouraged by the resilience of the Belarusian, Frangulis expressed his support by adding a purple heart emoji to his comment.