Rennae Stubbs is the first to admit that Aryna Sabalenka made her US Open prediction wrong but remains adamant that the world No. 1 didn't look well or happy with her game just before the start of the final Grand Slam of the year.
When previewing the US Open women's tournament, Stubbs - who won six Grand Slam titles across women's and mixed doubles during her career - claimed on her podcast that Sabalenka was missing the balls in practice by a wide margin. The former doubles world No. 1 also suggested that she wouldn't be surprised if the Belarusian didn't even make the quarterfinal at Flushing Meadows.
But then, Sabalenka went 6-0 in New York and dropped only one set en route to defending her title - Note, the Belarusian didn't play her quarterfinal match against Marketa Vondrousova after being given a walkover.
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I spoke about it on air. I was watching her practices. She was not happy. Pick against your own peril, because Sabalenka knows how to win at the US Open. She lovesthere's something about this crowd and this court that fuels her to keep her composure, Stubbs said on her podcast.
What exactly Stubbs said about Sabalenka?
I have been watching Aryna practice over the last couple of days. Aryna in practice the last couple of days, and I watched her indoors, Arthur Ashe stadium, roof closed, no variables. She would have a mid-court forehand and it would be 20 feet long. I cant understand. Its like she doesnt feel the ball," Stubbs said on her podcast before the start of the US Open.
The Australian added: "I am concerned if she will even get to the quarters the way she is playing and if she does, good luck.
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In her opening four US Open matches, Sabalenka recorded straight-set wins. After a Vondrousova walkover, the Belarusian recovered from a set down to beat Jessica Pegula, before ousting Amanda Anisimova in straight sets in the final.
The 27-year-old Belarusian now has four Grand Slam titles in her collection.
