Against Andreeva, Sabalenka was diminished: "I had a lot of physical difficulties on the court"

© AFP

Elio Valotto

le 07/06/2024 à 18h59

1 min to read

Andreeva Roland Garros Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka fell on Wednesday. Faced in the quarter-finals with Mirra Andreeva, one of the most promising players on the world tennis scene (17 years old, ranked 38th), the Belarusian didn't give up, but eventually succumbed (6-7, 6-4, 6-4 in 2 h30).

Without in any way detracting from the level of play offered by the young Russian, who dazzles with her talent and precociousness, it's quite clear that the world number 2 wasn't having a great day. Far more erratic than usual (40 winners, 40 unforced errors), Sabalenka seemed particularly weakened physically. Frequently holding her stomach, she finally gave in.

Clearly at the end of her tether physically, Sabalenka was not even able to take part in the press conference. Surrounded by the Parisian tournament's medical team, she needed assistance before finally being able to face journalists a little later.

Asked about her state of fitness, the winner of the last Australian Open explained herself quite simply: "Yes, I had a lot of physical difficulties on court today. I've been very ill for the last few days, with a gastro-intestinal problem. So it's been difficult. It's been a few days. I did my best to try and manage.

I always do what I can to fight to the end. I had to try, and I hoped eventually to find a way and feel a little better. For my part, I fought, and did everything I could with my strokes to keep going."