Russian tennis player Anna Blinkova commented on her second-round defeat to world number one, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, at the WTA 1000 tournament in Madrid, Spain. Sabalenka won the match with a score of 6-3, 6-4.
Reflecting on the match, Blinkova admitted to a tentative start.
“I started not very aggressively, let`s say, at a speed of 7 out of 10, and she simply `killed` me; it wasn`t enough. As soon as I played shorter or weaker, she immediately stepped into the court and hit winners,” Anna explained.
She noted that she realized the necessity to significantly increase her aggression, aiming for a 9 or 10 out of 10 intensity, to stand a chance against the top-ranked player. Despite the initial deficit and ultimately losing, Blinkova was pleased with the level of fight and the competitive nature of many games, mentioning numerous break points she had opportunities on.
“When I had chances, Aryna played incredibly well. She hit winners, served well, returned aggressively. That`s why she is so strong; she doesn`t lose games [at key moments]. She mobilizes herself during the most crucial points,” Blinkova added, acknowledging Sabalenka`s ability to perform under pressure.
In the third round of the Madrid tournament, Sabalenka is scheduled to face Belgium`s Elise Mertens.
Marcus Prine