French Open: Aryna Sabalenka 'exhausted' after shock Karolina Muchova loss, confirms visa for Wimbledon

Updated 08/06/2023 at 19:31 GMT

Although she led 5-2 in her decisive third set with Karolina Muchova, only to lose it 7-5, Aryna Sabalenka preferred to look on the bright side of her tournament as a whole, one which saw her improve by far on her previous best at Roland-Garros, a third-round appearance in each of the previous three years. Sabalenka confirmed she will travel to London for Wimbledon having had her visa approved.

Muchova v Sabalenka - French Open highlights

Aryna Sabalenka admitted to feeling "exhausted" after her shock defeat to Karolina Muchova at the French Open, as she also confirmed her visa for Wimbledon.

The No. 2 seed looked to be heading into the final of Roland-Garros for the first time, but saw a 5-2 third-set lead evaporate as the unseeded Muchova stole the match from her grasp.

Sabalenka admitted to feeling "exhausted" at the strain of her nigh-on two weeks in Paris, but said she wouldn't consider the tournament in a negative light given she went three rounds further than she had ever been before.

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Speaking in her post-match press conference, the 25-year-old said: "I think I'm really exhausted right now.

"But I think it's only because I lost this match, and it's very, like, very tough, tough match for me to lose.

"But, yeah, I think it's normal to feel exhausted after two weeks of playing non-stop and playing on the clay. It's always physical matches.

"She [Muchova] played unbelievable tennis. Still, I had a lot of opportunities, and I didn't use it. Yeah, of course I'm very disappointed with this tough loss, but that's OK.

"I definitely have to learn something from this match and come back stronger. But, anyway, I think what I was doing and hopefully I will keep doing it this season, that's incredible, just next level.

"I don't look at this tournament as negative tournament. I think I did great improvement on the clay court, and it's my best result here.

Fired-up Sabalenka takes second set in semi-final with Muchova

"Just right now I'm trying to stay positive no matter what happened on court.

"Anyway, whatever, I'll come back stronger. It's tough match, but I had so many opportunities, but still, I would like to look at this tournament as a positive tournament."

Sabalenka's next target is Wimbledon, which begins on July 3. After not featuring at the tournament last year due to the banning of Russian and Belarusian players, Sabalenka said she is "super excited" to compete in London this year after her visa was approved.

"Yes, now I have visa," she confirmed. "I can celebrate. I'm coming to Wimbledon, which is great news.

"I'm super excited. I really like to play there. I really enjoy the atmosphere.

"I really missed last year Wimbledon, and yeah, just can't wait to come back and show my best tennis."

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