Aryna Sabalenka suffered a rare defeat in Beijing (Image: The Associated Press)
Aryna Sabalenka has seen her 15-match winning streak brought to a halt as she suffered a semi-final upset to Karolina Muchova at the China Open in Beijing.
Despite being on course for her third consecutive tournament win and having a lead in the final set, Sabalenka saw victory slip through her fingers when the resilient Czech staged an incredible comeback to take the match 7-6 (5) 2-6 6-4.
Notably, this marks Muchova’s triumphant hat-trick over Sabalenka, showcasing a remarkable return to form since resuming the sport in June after a long hiatus due to wrist surgery.
In other tennis news, top-ranked has made a shock announcement about parting ways with her coach of three years, Tomasz Wiktorowski.
Taking to to share the update, the Polish sensation wrote: “After 3 years of the greatest achievements in my career, together with my coach Tomasz Wiktorowski we decided to part ways.”
Under Wiktorowski’s guidance, Swiatek claimed four Grand Slam titles and ascended to the apex of women’s tennis, but her silverware hunt has hit a drought since claiming the French Open title in June.
The reigning world No. 1 shared that she is now actively engaging with a “non-Polish” coach while opting out of the upcoming Wuhan Open amidst her quest for a new guiding force.
This latest coaching carousel doesn’t just end here Swiatek joins the recent high-profile switches in the womens circuit alongside Naomi Osaka, now collaborating with Patrick Mouratoglou post her split with Wim Fissette, and young talent , who has closed her chapter with Brad Gilbert.