Aryna Sabalenka walked into the Stuttgart Open final hoping to break her losing streak at the event. She first came close in 2021 but lost to Ash Barty. Then, in 2022 and 2023, it was Iga Swiatek who ruined her chances at the title. This time, it was Jelena Ostapenko who played spoiler. The Latvian stunned the top seed 6-4, 6-1, sealing her first win over Sabalenka in four meetings. The World No.1 not only lost the trophy but also lost the chance to drive away in the Porsche that is given along with the prize money of $142,000. But that’s okay, she’s already moving on from the heartbreak as she sets her sights on a new target.

Each year at the Stuttgart Open, the champion receives a cash prize and a Porsche. It’s a tradition that makes this tournament a fan and player favorite. This year, the winning ride was a fully electric Porsche Macan Turbo in a flashy Papaya Metallic. And yes, it was on display all week at Centre Court, tempting Sabalenka like a jewel inside a glass case. She even joked about it before the match, calling the car a match for her “tiger” spirit.

Still, Sabalenka handled the loss properly. In her post-match speech, she smiled and said, “I want to congratulate Jelena & her team. Enjoy driving this beautiful car. I’m glad I can afford this car. After this final, I’m gonna order one because this is the only way for me.”

But here’s the twist. Turns out the Belarusian might have found a new dream car altogether. In an Instagram story posted after the final, she’s seen posing next to a real-life version of Sally Carrera—the blue Porsche from the Pixar Cars movie. She added a cheeky caption: “Does anyone know if this car is for sale? 🤣👀🚙”

That photo was taken when she visited the Porsche Museum before the final. Even though she’s been coming to the Stuttgart Open for years, this was her first time touring the museum. Safe to say, it made quite an impression. Out of all the luxury cars she saw, it was Sally Carrera that stole her heart.

It’s not like Sabalenka’s garage is short on horsepower either. According to Sports Info, the 26-year-old already owns a Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo. She also drives a Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster, a Mercedes G-Class, and a BMW M4. That’s some serious firepower. So even though she didn’t win the Papaya Metallic Macan, it’s fair to say her car collection is still elite.

But while the loss might sting, there’s no time to dwell.

Aryna Sabalenka learns to have “short memory” as she moves on to the Madrid Open

The Mutua Madrid Open begins just 48 hours after the Stuttgart final, and as the top seed, Aryna Sabalenka leaves for home in Round 2. She’ll face a qualifier in her opening match. Despite the Stuttgart disappointment, she knows exactly how to shift gears. “Throughout my career, I have lost several finals that were hard to digest. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from it, it’s that you need a short memory to be a successful tennis player. My only plan right now is to forget what happened here and work harder to do better in Madrid,” said the World No.1.

This is a tournament where the 26-year-old feels right at home. She’s already won in Madrid twice—first in 2021 and then again in 2023. Her powerful game suits the high-altitude conditions at the Caja Mágica, making her one of the top contenders again this year.

From Papaya Metallic dreams to Sally Carrera detours, Sabalenka is already looking ahead. Her ability to bounce back is just as powerful as her forehand. Will she add a third Madrid title to her collection—and maybe that Sally Carrera too?