She returned to action about three weeks after that disappointment, but it was clear to everyone that the repercussions of the AO final were still present in her mind. It is no coincidence that Aryna was prematurely eliminated in two very prestigious tournaments such as Doha and Dubai.

Tennis fans can always count on seeing Aryna Sabalenka's wide smile during matches. The World No. 1 plays with an unusual sense of joy that is often not seen in the isolated and pressure-packed sport.