Despite the disappointment of losing in a Grand Slam final, Sabalenka had moved on from the Australian Open when arriving in the Middle East.

However, Sabalenka lost to Ekaterina Alexandrova in her first match back at the Qatar Open.

The Belarusian returned to winning ways after beating Veronika Kudermetova at the Dubai Tennis Championships, but this was short lived with Sabalenka then losing to Clara Tauson.

Aryna Sabalenka explains why she lost at the Dubai Tennis Championships

Following the world number one losing at the Qatar Open, former top 10 player Andrea Petkovic explained Sabalenka’s poor form and put some of it down to her serve.

However, when speaking in her post-match press conference, Sabalenka suggested that she has lost her hunger on court and is emotionally not at her best.

“I believe that I’m not that hungry on court,” said Sabalenka. “I’m kind of all over the place in my thoughts and not consistent on the court. The decisions I’m making on the court are a bit wrong and emotionally, I’m not on my best.”

Sabalenka has won only one of her three matches during the Middle Eastern swing this year, with Iga Swiatek closing the gap in the WTA rankings.

Aryna Sabalenka says she needs to change something after defeat to Clara Tauson

Sabalenka is a former Qatar Open champion, while the Dubai Tennis Championships continue to be the 26-year-old’s worst performing WTA 1000 tournament.

When speaking about why she believes her results are not on par in the Middle East, Sabalenka claimed that she needs to change something.

“I’d say that for the last couple of years, I’m not doing well in the Middle East,” said Sabalenka.
I believe we need to change something in the preparation.

“Every time I don’t feel well playing here. Even health-wise I’m struggling. Australia always taking a lot of energy out of me.

“I believe we just need to think with the team for the future how we can improve or get better in the preparation for the Middle East.”

Sabalenka will now move onto the next set of WTA 1000 tournaments at the sunshine double of Indian Wells and the Miami Open, two tournaments where she is yet to win the title.