Big players often engage in mini-exhibitions in the tour events to please the crowd. In the past, players have played with ball kids, participated in intriguing target-hitting challenges, and many other forms of entertainment. However, the most recent addition to the list by Aryna Sabalenka seems to be bizarre and funny at the same time. But what was the challenge?

Prior to the commencement of the night session in Montreal, Sabalenka had arrived on the court early. The tournament organizers, in turn, decided to host a little exhibition on the court. Sabalenka would have to aim at the mascot whose role was to block Sabalenka’s shots. Later, the Belarusian went on to apologize to the mascot on her Twitter.

Aryna Sabalenka’s apology to the mascot

Following the short exhibition, Sabalenka competed against Petra Martic in her opening round of the tournament. The Belarusian was pretty flawless in the tie and cruised through in straight sets. After the match and post-match recovery, Sabalenka saw the official account of the Canadian Open post her clip with the mascot.

The World No.2 saw this as an opportunity to apologize to the mascot. She quoted the original tweet and said, “They want me to hit this beautiful and friendly mascot,sorry😂😂😂I hit him with a lot of love 😂😂😂“. It was a sweet gesture from Sabalenka. The mascot was well covered with his outfit, to ensure that he was not hurt. However, the Belarusian still believed that it was right to apologize after bashing tennis balls at him.

It was an eventful night in Montreal for the Belarusian. However, the actual business begins now. She locks horns with Liudmila Samsonova in the Round of 16, which is still a small hurdle compared to what lies in store should she progress further.

READ MORE: Days After Non-stop Sweating in the Sweltering Florida Heat, Aryna Sabalenka Revels in the Rain as the Heavens Open Up to Cool Things Down

Aryna Sabalenka has a brutal road to Montreal title

An in-form Belinda Bencic or Petra Kvitova would be waiting for the Belarusian if she passes the Samsonova test. Sabalenka is still likely to come out on top in both these matches, but her path gets even tougher with every single round.

Her potential semi-final includes Elena Rybakina while the World No.1 Iga Swiatek will possibly be knocking on the door for the finals. Overall, it looks like one of the most cruel paths to a title, but the fiery Grand Slam winner will not back down easily. Do you think that Aryna Sabalenka can go all the way and win the title in Montreal? Let us know in the comments.

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