Elina Svitolina explains exactly what’s been tough for Aryna Sabalenka in 2026 after finishing the year at the WTA Finals.
Elina Svitolina has accidentally revealed why Aryna Sabalenka struggled in 2026, after beating the Belarusian 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells.
The Ukrainian earned her spot in the semi-finals, ended Sabalenka’s season, and scored her first win against Sabalenka in six years. Sabalenka’s season ended with some unwanted records, breaking several four-year streaks. Now, Svitolina’s win helps explain why Sabalenka’s 2026 season fell apart.
Since October, Svitolina has been in the spotlight after splitting with tennis star Gael Monfils. She admitted there was a big difference between how Sabalenka started the year and how she ended it.
Earlier in the year, Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam winner who recently beat Carlos Alcaraz for a special award, played aggressively and beat Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 at the Australian Open. Before their recent match, Sabalenka had won all six of their past meetings and even forced a tough third set in Indian Wells after falling behind.
At the WTA Finals group stage, Sabalenka started strong by breaking Svitolina early but then lost six games in a row in a surprising collapse. After the match, Svitolina said Sabalenka “gave me a few chances” when it mattered most, which led to Sabalenka’s season ending.
“I think she gave me a few opportunities,” the 32-year-old said. “I’m happy I could find some good shots. It was important for me to just hit the ball well and find depth. Overall, I’m glad I fought hard. But yes, she gave me some chances in that third set.” Svitolina’s words were very different from what she said after losing to Sabalenka in Australia earlier this year.
Back in Melbourne, after Sabalenka beat her with aggressive play, Svitolina described Sabalenka’s second shot as a “punch.” She said, “She was returning well and then hit another strong shot right after her serve. When you play players like Sabalenka, you really don’t have much time to react.”
The stats support her changing views. In Melbourne, Sabalenka won over 43% of first return points, but in Indian Wells, that dropped to just 35%.
Playing aggressive tennis is a risk, especially now when many players focus on consistent baseline play. Sabalenka’s fighting spirit at the WTA Finals was sadly lacking. The 28-year-old, who didn’t win a Grand Slam in 2026 for the first time since 2022—mainly because of her struggles under pressure—saved only two of eight break points against Svitolina, making the path to victory easier for her opponent.
In Melbourne, Sabalenka had saved three of four break points against Svitolina to set up a Grand Slam match against Elena Rybakina, who later withdrew from the WTA Finals and faced a big pay cut—35% less prize money.
Rick Macci, Serena Williams’ former coach, also shared his thoughts on Sabalenka’s poor season finish after her tough loss at the Finals. This year was the first time since 2022 that Sabalenka didn’t reach the knockout stages of the year-end event.
Even though Sabalenka won the Sunshine Double in 2026 and made two Grand Slam finals (which she lost), her future as a top player on the WTA Tour is uncertain.