French Open: Aryna Sabalenka ‘exhausted’ after shock Karolina Muchova loss, confirms 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.

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.

“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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On June 10 and 11 strap yourself in for a live sport rollercoaster ride. With the finals of Roland-Garros, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Speedway Grand Prix, the UCI Mountain Bike World Series, the Criterium du Dauphine, MotoGP and the Champions League final, it’s the Weekend of Champions live on Eurosport, discovery+ and BT Sport.