“The past month has been really challenging for me “- said Aryna Sabalenka, as she laid bare her struggles with injuries. The Belarusian was once considered to be the contender for the ultimate grass glory. However, things have changed in a quick spin as her first-round match comes closer. And they are certainly headed for the worst of the recent updates to be believed. This has made everyone ponder over one question: Would Sabalenka be back in this Slam or, for worst, season?

Sabalenka’s injury came to the fore during her Berlin Open withdrawal. While, her carefree picture gave tennis fans some hope for better, all of it went away when she opened up about her struggles with fitness and injury over the last month. Especially the specific muscle injury on the shoulder. Though everyone downplayed it when they saw her at a practice session with Ons Jabeur, as they relished the memories until the following happened.

Every tennis star is out to catch last-minute practice before they head into the main draw. However, Sabalenka’s abrupt end of the practice session rang a worrying bell in every tennis fan’s head. The rumors about her injury pricking gained fire. But the recent updates from the tennis journalist, José Morgado, confirm another blow to Wimbledon as Aryna Sabalenka withdraws. He tweeted:

This news has certainly crushed the hopes of a great contest for the title on the grass court. The draw would be down with one strong and a fierce player. However, this also means that there would be a new entry to replace Sabalenka. But the competition is now wide open, as it’s anybody’s game at the Grass Slam. Though Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur, and Iga Swiatek, are there representing the top players, tennis fans would have to wait for a strong opponent or Sabalenka to be back for the clash of titans in the semi-finals. However, this is not the only withdrawal at the beginning of the championship.

Earlier, Ekaterina Alexandrova withdrew due to illness, making way for a ‘lucky loser’ to gain the taste of the grass in London. But the bad day for Sabalenka’s fans doesn’t end here, as it leaves the question of her return wide open.

‘Heartbroken’ Aryna Sabalenka has a message for the tennis circuit

As tennis fans were coming to terms that Sabalenka won’t be a contender for the Grass Slam, they drew some relief from the fact that Sabalenka would play, though may not win. However, before they could accept it, another piece of news from everyone’s heart- her withdrawal. And to announce her decision, the World No.3 shared her side on the Instagram story.

Confirming the news in circulation about the withdrawal, she said, “Heartbroken to have to tell you all that I won’t be able to play the championship this year.” As she went on to narrate the abrupt end to the practice, no player wants to quit even in pain, and it seems the same was the case with Sabalenka, as her team had to explain to her the consequences of the injury could even derail her career. “I pushed myself to the limit in practice today, but my team explained that playing would only make things much worse.”

Though the World No.3 promised to be back stronger than ever next year on the grass courts of London, her return to the tennis circuit is still in the air. Hopefully, things go well for the Belarusian and we may be able to see her at the US Open 2024.