The success of Arina Sobolenko will definitely not please everyone.
In the world of women’s tennis, power has changed. For the first time in a year and a half, Iga Sventek will cease to be the first racket of the world. She will be replaced by Belarusian Arina Sobolenko, who, unlike the Pole, continues to fight at the US Open.
But it’s too early to relax. This alignment is unlikely to please some figures.
The inexplicable failure of Šwiętek
Sobolenko staked out her first place in the WTA ranking after Swiatek’s departure from the US Open. Polka, unexpectedly for many, lost in the 1/8 finals. Her offender was Elena Ostapenko from Latvia.
Although at first nothing foreshadowed trouble for Iga. Polka took the first set very confidently (6:3). It seemed that Sventek would squeeze the Latvian in two games, but instead she swam and allowed her opponent to level the score – 3:6. Iga failed the third set completely and completely, taking only one game – 1:6.
Iga Schwentek / Photo: © Robert Prange / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru
Swiatek was so shocked that she could not even explain her defeat properly.
“I have no idea why this happened. We need to see what went wrong. Surprised that my level has changed so dramatically. I usually play poorly and then catch up. This time it was completely different, – quotes Swiatek Tennis Now.
In the fight for the title
Arina Sobolenko, in turn, continues the campaign for the title. The Belarusian has already reached the 1/8 finals, knocking out Belgian Marina Zanevskaya, Briton Jody Anna Burrage and Clara Burel from France in turn. Moreover, all matches ended with a confident victory for Arina in two sets. Sobolenko will play a ticket to the quarterfinals with Russian Daria Kasatkina.
Next week, Arina will officially become the first racket of the world, as Iga Swiatek failed to defend the title in the United States. In the WTA live rating, Sobolenko has 8206 points, and Shventek – 8195.
Prepare for new provocations
Of course, Arina’s success pleases. In Belarus, another first racket of the world appeared in the women’s individual classification – previously only the legendary Victoria Azarenka achieved such a result. However, Sobolenko was already the leader of the WTA rating, but in pairs.
Arina Sobolenko / Photo: © Elsa / Staff / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru
This achievement will attract the attention of not only fans, but also haters. The fact is that Belarus, like Russia, is officially suspended from international tournaments. Tennis players play without a flag – even on the WTA website in the Region column, Sobolenko has nothing. Athletes are provoked and slinged in every possible way. And they suddenly take first place in the world rankings. Disorder!
Perhaps, especially hotheads are now activated, who will demand to tighten the admission of Russians and Belarusians to tournaments. New renunciation declarations, public confessions, and similar insinuations may emerge. And this will continue as long as Sobolenko remains the first racket of the world.
Now Arina for many will become a bone in the throat and a splinter in the heel. Therefore, she should be prepared for various provocations. And, of course, to continue to play tennis at the top level – she does it better than anyone in the world.
2023-09-04 09:44:21
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