Ekaterina Alexandrova revealed she merely advised herself to provide all of it towards Aryna Sabalenka so she would not have any regrets even when she misplaced the match.
After beating 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu within the Doha first spherical, the world No. 26 additionally took down the top-seeded Belarusian 3-6 6-3 7-6 (5).
Not solely that the Russian managed to finish a giant comeback towards Sabalenka, however she additionally twice got here again from a break down within the third set.
“It was a really tough match to play towards her, as a result of she’s a fighter and she or he performs each single level. not matter what,” Alexandrova mentioned following her win.
“I advised myself earlier than the match that you just simply have to do the utmost you are able to do tonight, and if you happen to lose, that you have tried the whole lot.”
Alexandrova has all the time been a tough rival for Sabalenka
Through the years, the 30-year-old has by no means been a straightforward opponent for the three-time Grand Slam champion.
Following their newest match, the head-to-head between them stands at 4-4.
Earlier than this conflict, Sabalenka gained their 2024 US Open conflict – however it did not come simple – since she wanted three units 2-6 6-1 6-2.
On Tuesday, the world No. 1 was having a tough time once more towards Alexandrova however it appeared that she would finally escape with a three-set win.
However then, she twice blew a lead of a break within the third set.
For Sabalenka, this was her first match since dropping the Australian Open last.
In her pre-tournament presser in Doha, she mentioned she would use the Qatar Open and Dubai as “a preparation” for Indian Wells and Miami.
“I consider I am going to simply take these two tournaments as a preparation for the Sunshine one, and I am going to attempt to construct my tennis, and possibly take my tennis to the following stage in these two occasions,” the world No. 1 mentioned.
