Aryna Sabalenka nearly let a big lead slip against Elena Rybakina during their World Tennis League opener, but a baby’s cry from the stands lightened the tense moment with a hilarious twist. As Sabalenka prepared to serve, the crying prompted the 26-year-old to quip, “That’s exactly how I feel right now,” showcasing her sense of humor.
The match initially seemed one-sided as the world No. 1 dominated the first five games. However, Sabalenka struggled to convert her chances, missing nine match points across five games. Rybakina mounted an impressive comeback, erasing a 5-0 deficit to force a tie-break and even taking a 2-1 lead.
Despite the pressure and the amusing interruption, Sabalenka regained her focus. She dropped the next point but rallied back to win six consecutive points, sealing a 7-6 (3) victory.
After the match, Sabalenka joked about the near-collapse, saying, “I was just telling myself you can’t be that tough on Elena. She’s such a nice person. You cannot do that to her. So okay, let’s be friendly, get it to five-all, and then we will see who gets that one.”
Although it was just an exhibition match, the showdown between the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion and her opponent turned into an entertaining and memorable encounter for the fans in Abu Dhabi.
