Sabalenka at a crossroads after Melbourne final heartbreak
Aryna Sabalenka’s Australian Open final defeat to Elena Rybakina underscored a familiar paradox: unparalleled consistency in reaching major finals (five of the last six slam finals, 12 semi‑finals in 13 slams) yet recurring nerves in decisive moments, as she ceded a 3‑0 third‑set lead and five straight games. At 27, with four majors, a long spell as world No. 1 and 22 titles, she faces a career crossroads and is addressing mental‑toughness work with a sports psychologist while vowing to chase another final opportunity.
