MusaAryna Sabalenka’s recent performance at the Cincinnati Open has become a major talking point in the tennis world—not for her trademark power or aggressive style, but for an unusually high number of mistakes that left even seasoned observers scratching their heads. The World No. 2 committed a staggering 72 unforced errors during her match, a statistic that stunned fans and drew candid remarks from Serena Williams’ former coach, who admitted he was “so confused” by what unfolded.
Known for her fearless baseline hitting and relentless pace, Sabalenka is no stranger to taking risks during rallies. However, this time the errors piled up at a rate far beyond what is typical for a player of her caliber. The miscues ranged from routine groundstrokes sailing long to netted returns on crucial points. As the match progressed, frustration visibly set in, with Sabalenka shaking her head and muttering to herself between points.
Serena Williams’ ex-coach, who has witnessed elite players navigate high-pressure situations countless times, expressed bewilderment in post-match analysis. He noted that while every player has off-days, the sheer volume of mistakes suggested something deeper than just a lapse in form—perhaps a mental battle or tactical miscalculation. “I just couldn’t figure it out,” he admitted. “It wasn’t about her opponent forcing the errors; many of these were situations where Aryna had complete control of the point.”
Some analysts pointed to Sabalenka’s well-known streaky nature as a factor. Her aggressive style, while a weapon, can also lead to error-heavy patches if her timing is off. Others speculated that the court conditions or underlying fatigue may have played a role, given the heavy summer schedule and her deep runs in previous tournaments.
Fans were equally divided in their reactions. Loyal supporters urged patience, reminding critics that Sabalenka has proven herself capable of bouncing back from difficult performances, while detractors questioned whether her high-risk approach can consistently deliver at the biggest events.
Despite the disappointment, Sabalenka remains a dangerous contender heading into the US Open. Her ability to reset mentally and tighten her game under pressure will be crucial in the coming weeks. Historically, she has shown resilience after setbacks, often responding with dominant performances in subsequent matches.
As for Serena Williams’ ex-coach, his comments reflect a broader curiosity within the tennis community: how will Sabalenka address such an uncharacteristic performance? Whether the match becomes just an odd statistical blip or a sign of deeper issues remains to be seen. But with the year’s final Grand Slam on the horizon, all eyes will be on whether she can turn confusion into clarity—and errors into winners.
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John Owolabi