3 noteworthy moments in Aryna Sabalenka’s Cincinnati Open loss

The happy-go-lucky Aryna Sabalenka days are temporarily in the past. Sabalenka lost in shocking manner to 20-year-old Sara Bejlek in the Cincinnati Open Round of 16 in a match that concluded after midnight on Thursday, August 20.

Sabalenka has not won a tennis tournament since becoming the fifth woman ever to sweep the Sunshine Double of Indian Wells and Miami in March. She has looked more vulnerable lately indicating her confidence and game are not where she wants them to be going into the US Open. She even told Tennis Channel that the Cincinnati Open is her opportunity to “reset.”

Hardcourts are where she thrives, but she was not feeling comfortable at 3 noteworthy times in the Bejlek match.

MORE: Aryna Sabalenka stunned by Sara Bejlek at Cincinnati Open

Lost vibration dampener

It is not uncommon for players to toss their racquets on the ground in frustration. Sabalenka did it, and the little piece on the racquet, known as the vibration dampener, fell off and was lost.

The ballkids were looking in the area where the photographers were positioned, and this caused a delay despite the fact that Sabalenka ultimately used another out of her bag.

No delay of game penalty assessed in this unusual circumstance.

Bounced a ball back to a ballkid

Sabalenka’s body language emitted frustration. She impatiently waited for a ballkid to give her a ball. At one point, she angrily bounced a ball back to the person.

Tennis Channel said nothing. Only Brett Haber could be heard murmurring, “hmm.”

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Offered a chilly handshake at net after loss

Sabalenka is not the most gracious in defeat. There have been previous examples.

Of course, she was disappointed and unhappy, but as WTA World No. 1, she could have acknowledged Bejlek’s breakthrough moment with a little more finesse.

Everyone has a bad day on the court, and Sabalenka’s high level of consistency and play over the past couple of years are spectacular achievements that some of us took for granted. Getting deep into every tournament she was in, winning many, means she has played a lot of tennis.

Maybe that wear and tear is taking its toll. She is a fighter and will use this unexpected downtime to be even more prepared for the upcoming US Open.

In the meantime, Czechia, home of Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, has yet another talented player and star in the making in Sara Bejlek.

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