Aryna Sabalenka’s prospects for Wimbledon are in serious doubt as she battles a rare shoulder injury. The World No. 3, known for her powerful play and two Australian Open titles, has admitted she is not fully fit for her opening match at the prestigious tournament. Sabalenka’s recent track record at Grand Slams is impressive, with consecutive quarter-final and semi-final appearances, but her current physical condition casts a shadow over her Wimbledon campaign.
Sabalenka’s journey to Wimbledon has been fraught with challenges. After a strong start to the season and a promising performance at the Berlin Open, her progress was halted by a teres major muscle injury in her shoulder. This specific and uncommon injury forced her to retire for the first time in her career during a match against Anna Kalinskaya. Despite showing resilience and determination, the Belarusian star faces an uphill battle to regain full fitness in time for her match against Emina Bektas.
In a recent press conference, Sabalenka expressed her frustration and concerns over her injury. She revealed that although she can train and hit groundstrokes without much trouble, serving remains a significant challenge. The mental toll of this injury is also evident, as she struggles to find a positive outlook while dealing with pain and the uncertainty of her condition. Sabalenka emphasized the importance of not jeopardizing her future in the sport by aggravating the injury further.
The upcoming days are critical for Sabalenka as she prepares for her match on Monday. Her determination to compete is clear, but the reality of her physical state cannot be ignored. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching to see if she can overcome this setback and make a strong showing at Wimbledon. Sabalenka’s performance, if she does play, will be scrutinized closely, given her status as a favorite for the title.
As the tournament draws near, the tennis world waits with bated breath to see if Sabalenka can defy the odds and reclaim her position at the top. Her journey at Wimbledon this year will undoubtedly be a testament to her resilience and fighting spirit, qualities that have defined her career thus far.
