The 2025 season kicked off just days ago, and already players are facing challenges, with Aryna Sabalenka making headlines for all the wrong reasons. After a strong semifinal finish at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, the Belarusian star made her way to Brisbane, but her performance in the second round against Russian-born Kazakhstani Yulia Putintseva quickly became a talking point.
Sabalenka had cruised into the Round of 16 with a dominant win over American McCartney Kessler, showcasing her impressive shot-making abilities. However, the Belarusian struggled to replicate that form in her next match. A series of unforced errors stopped her from utilizing her strengths to overpower Putintseva, leading to a moment of frustration.
In the first set, Sabalenka found herself trailing 4-3, and despite her attempts to level the score, she faltered. After an unforced error, Sabalenka lost her temper and threw her racket in frustration, leaving the Brisbane crowd in stunned silence.
