Distressing Opening Round Loss Forces ‘Exhausted’ World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka to Get a Special Hug to ‘Recharge’ Herself

Hugging is known to result in the production of a hormone called oxytocin, which has relaxing effects. Aryna Sabalenka, the World No. 2 in the WTA Tour rankings, desperately needed it following her humiliating exit from the Italian Open. Sabalenka was one of the favorites going into the tournament. However, she couldn’t get beyond the second round as American Sofia Kenin defeated her in straight sets.

The match was a thriller, and it pushed Sabalenka to her limits, leaving her drained and fatigued. To help herself out of her miserable state, Sabalenka spent time hugging a bunny to recharge her batteries. She shared an image of the same with her Instagram followers.

‘Exhausted’  Sabalenka hugs a cute bunny to come to terms with early Italian Open exit

Different people deal with exhaustion differently. For Aryna Sabalenka, the preferred method seems to be hugging a bunny. The Belarusian will hope to bounce back quickly from her unexpected Italian Open exit to contend for the 2023 French Open.

In an Instagram story post, Sabalenka shared two images. The one in the center showed her looking dejected after her loss at the hands of Sofia Kenin. Another one at the top showed her with an incredibly cute toy bunny. The post also featured some text. “Exhausted. Definitely need some recharge.”

Sabalenka fans can only hope that the bunny can provide the Belarusian tennis superstar with all the rejuvenation she needs to get back to her best. However, she doesn’t have much time on her hands. After all, the 2023 French Open starts on May 28.

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How did Sofia Kenin overpower favorite Aryna Sabalenka?

Ahead of the match, Sabalenka would have been feeling quite confident regarding her chances against Kenin. After all, Kenin is World No. 134 in the WTA Tour singles rankings right now. Also, Sabalenka came into the tournament on the back of a winning roll, which culminated in a Madrid Open title.

However, Kenin more than matched Sabalenka in almost every department. The first set finished 7-6 following a nervy tiebreaker. In the second set, though, Kenin dominated and registered a comfortable 6-2 win. Sabalenka will look back on the 2023 Italian Open as a missed opportunity. However, at the same time, she will be hoping to do much better at the 2023 French Open.

What do you make of the Tennis star initiating a hug with the bunny?

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