Google News Aryna Sabalenka explains what she expects after 'the worst' in Indian Wells final
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 1963
Aryna Sabalenka described the Indian Wells final loss as "the worst" and revealed she expects to be even more motivated now. On Sunday, Sabalenka missed out on some great chances as Elena Rybakina beat the Belarusian 7-6 (11) 6-4 to win her first Indian Wells title.
In an extremely tight first set, Sabalenka hit 10 double faults and some of those errors came in the key moments. "I think it’s a good — it’s not good to lose, but I think this tough loss will motivate me more, because I don’t like to lose in the finals.
This is the worst, you know. So I wouldn’t say that this loss is really good. But going to Miami, I think I will be more motivated instead of going as an Indian Wells winner. So, I mean, I hope that this tough loss will help me in the next matches to stay focused and keep working and keep fighting for another title in this season," Sabalenka said.
Sabalenka hopes to bounce back in Miami
Sabalenka won't have much time to rest or think about the Indian Wells final loss as the Miami Open is starting on Tuesday. In Miami, Sabalenka is set to make her fifth appearance.
Sabalenka's best Miami result came in 2021, when she made the quarterfinal before losing to Ashleigh Barty. Sabalenka couldn't answer if the Miami conditions suit her well but did say that she is looking forward to playing there.
"I don’t remember conditions in Miami, to be honest (smiling). I will have a few days to figure out if I am comfortable there or not. But, I mean, these tournaments are amazing. Like here is just like tennis paradise. Miami, it’s another paradise.
A little bit different than here. We’ll see. We’ll see how courts, what the courts are there. Yeah, hopefully I can do well there," Sabalenka said.
