Australian Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka ’emotionally unstable’ but beats Anastasia Potapova
World number one Aryna Sabalenka says she was “emotional” as she edged past Anastasia Potapova to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open.
The Belarusian, a two-time favorite to win the title, maintained a 4-0 lead in the first set.
However, the 27-year-old felt “disconnected from my body” when 55th-ranked Potapova fought back and Sabalenka was forced to fend off four set points before winning 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (9-7).
Afterwards, a reflective Sabalenka admitted that she might have lost the match earlier in her career.
Sabalenka lost two Grand Slam finals last year, first to Madison Keys in Melbourne and then at Roland Garros against Coco Gauff when she committed 70 unforced errors.
By her own admission, she can “lose control of her emotions” when tennis’s biggest prize is on the line, and she has previously worked with psychologists to improve this aspect of her game.
She has reached at least the semifinals in 13 of the past 16 Grand Slam tournaments, winning four major titles in the past three seasons and establishing herself as a dominant player in the women’s game.
“Five years ago, Elena would have been so focused on her feelings that she would have completely lost these games,” Sabalenka said.
“I learned that it doesn’t matter how you feel, it’s your mentality, your mental strength, trying your best to return the ball with poor technique and your body is completely disconnected.
“When you see something isn’t working, your only strategy is to fight.”
