Aryna Sabalenka admits pressure has been difficult to handle as another Wuhan Open loss raises questions about her form

Aryna Sabalenka, the 28 year old Belarusian star athlete, has been going through a challenging time as she suffered a surprise Round of 32 loss to Ann Li at the Wuhan Open on October 14, 2026. The popular tennis star’s loss at the Wuhan Open comes just days after the loss at the China Open and the US Open. It seems she is going through a tough time and in an interview, Aryna Sabalenka had opened up about her mental health.Aryna Sabalenka reflects on her mental health as she goes through a tough timeA few days ago, in an interview, the 28 year old tennis star said, “I just think it's a combination of everything…You overthink, then you make easy mistakes, then you miss opportunities. “Then the other player on the other side steps in and starts playing a bit more aggressively and more free – kind of fearless.”The 4 Grand Slam single titles champion added, “Sometimes it's really tough to hold the pressure and put it back on the opponent.”Aryna Sabalenka continued, “I just have to sit back and openly think about what's going on in my head in those tough moments, because I'm quite an experienced player…I have been through so many things, and I overcame so many things. I just have to figure out that little thing that is not working for me sometimes, and hopefully I can overcome it.”She added, “You know those rooms where you just go in and you smash everything…Probably I will spend a whole day tomorrow over there destroying stuff.Aryna Sabalenka experiences consecutive losses on courtIn her most recent match on October 14, Aryna Sabalenka suffered a dramatic collapse against unseeded American Ann Li, losing 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5).The tennis star was up a set and a break (4-2) in the second set and went on to save 9 match points in the third before ultimately losing. She also struggled with a knee injury during the match.The week prior, she suffered another straight-sets shock exit, losing 4-6, 3-3 to world No. 34 Nikola Bartůňková at the China Open.Days prior to her loss at the China Open, at the US Open, Aryna Sabalenka reached her closest chance at a title since March but fell short in the final against her rival Elena Rybakina, losing 4-6, 6-4, 4-6.Though Aryna Sabalenka has qualified for and is expected to compete in the WTA Finals later this season, analysts and fans have recently suggested she take a break to reset before the year end championships.The star athlete has not responded to the speculations yet as it seems Aryna Sabalenka tries to stay out of the spotlight amid the losses.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.