Sabalenka seeks answers to desert drought

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka blamed a lack of hunger for her last-16 exit in Dubai at the hands of Denmark's Clara Tauson on Feb 19, adding that she was kind of "all over the place".

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DUBAI - World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka blamed a lack of hunger for her last-16 exit in Dubai at the hands of Denmark's Clara Tauson on Feb 19, adding that she was kind of "all over the place".

The Belarusian has won just one of the three matches she contested during this Middle East swing, losing last week's opener in Doha and falling 6-3, 6-2 to 38th-ranked Tauson in her second match in Dubai.

After a strong start to the 2025 season, winning the Brisbane title and reaching a third consecutive Australian Open final, Sabalenka has lost her momentum with three losses in her last four matches.

"I believe that I'm not that hungry on court," said the 26-year-old following her 82-minute loss.

"I'm kind of all over the place in my thoughts and not consistent on the court. The decisions I'm making on the court are a bit wrong and emotionally, I'm not at my best."