In an electrifying upset at Indian Wells, Aryna Sabalenka was left reeling by the burgeoning local prodigy, Emma Navarro, in a clash that shook the tennis world. The 22-year-old tennis player defeated world number 2 in the third round of the tournament. Despite facing defeat by the American, the two-time Grand Slam champion unveils her athletic potential to do well in the future.

Not only that, Sabalenka praised Navarro’s abilities, and brought a bold prediction for her future into consideration, highlighting the necessity of Navarro’s continued growth and agility on the court. As the 25-year-old reflects on her surprising setback at the hands of the budding star, her thoughts highlight the depth of skill and unpredictable nature of tennis.

“she forced me for all those unforced errors” – Aryna Sabalenka on Emma Navarro’s playstyle 

After defeating the world’s number two-ranked tennis player in the third round of the tournament, she made her place in the quarterfinals. Even though Sabalenka was not impressed with her early defeat, during the post-match press conference after the defeat, she talked about the potential that the American player carries on the tennis court with a strong prediction.

She stated, “Overall I would say she’s moving well and playing some different rhythms so you always have to adjust. If your movement is not there, then you will always be off the rhythm and you’ll be missing a lot of shots and making a lot of unforced errors. That’s what actually happened to me. I wasn’t moving that great today, and that’s why she forced me for all those unforced errors.” 

Not only that, but she also agreed with the fact that the 22-year-old can have a good year and highlighted that it’s just her rhythm and good forehead in just a spin that makes her game better. Sabalenka added, “But yeah, her potential is really great. I think she’s already in the top. Yeah, I think she have this potential to be in top 10.” 

Further, the Australian Open champion also emphasized the fact that she has the potential to be in the top 10 WTA rankings. Subsequently, after continuing her run for defeat, the 22-year-old, who won her first WTA title in January, opened up about the tough competition Sabalenka put against her.

Navarro thinks Sabalenka “made it really tough” for her 

The world’s 2nd ranked tennis player faced a surprising defeat as someone just a few months ago won the Australian Open title. After the defeat, Navarro opened up about how it was not easy for her to find a victory against Sabalenka.

She said, “I’m feeling really good, it’s never easy coming out and playing an opponent like that – so experienced and just so talented. She made it really tough on me today, but I was glad I was able to play some good tennis in the big moments.” Along with that, she also shared some happy thoughts of how she was proud of herself for playing some good tennis in one of the crucial moments on the court.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Sabalenka facing defeat from Navarro? Let us know in the comment section below.

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