Aryna Sabalenka's 2024 campaign has spiraled into a season of what-ifs and missed chances, and the latest chapter in Wuhan has only intensified the calls for her to step back. On Wednesday, the four-time Grand Slam champion squandered a set and a 4-2 lead in the second, falling 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 to world No. 84 Ann Li in a match that ended in a dramatic third-set tiebreak.
The loss, her second consecutive early exit in Asia after a shocking second-round defeat at the China Open, has left fans questioning whether the Belarusian should simply shut it down for the year. Social media erupted with pleas for her to prioritize her mental health and come back refreshed for the Australian Open in January.
"She literally needs to take a break," one fan wrote. Another echoed, "Really wanted Aryna to be able to get through this one. She does seem like she may need a break until next season. Hopefully she will be able to find some form at the WTA Finals, then get the break she needs." Some went further, with one commenter bluntly suggesting "maybe retirement."
The sentiment is growing that Sabalenka's struggles are more mental than physical. As one fan put it, "Honestly I believe she needs a break. She is mentally unavailable at the moment."
It's been a brutal stretch for the former world No. 1, who lost her top ranking to Elena Rybakina and failed to capture a single Grand Slam title this year. Her best major result was a runner-up finish at the US Open, but even that was overshadowed by disappointment. After that loss, Sabalenka admitted the weight of the season had taken its toll.
"I no longer have expectations. Basically, I don't care. I'm just going to come, fight, and enjoy every challenge that comes my way," she said. "This summer, I had high expectations. Even if I don't want to say it, I wanted to succeed in the tournament where I desperately wanted to have success. My body stopped me. Then there were small things that didn't go my way, and that really led me to disappointment."
Her last title came at the Miami Open in March, and the drought is now stretching toward 10 months. With the WTA Finals looming, some see that as a chance to salvage the season, but others worry it could deepen the rut. The support Gauff received after online abuse shows how much fans care about player well-being, and the same compassion is now being directed at Sabalenka.
The question is whether she'll listen. Sabalenka has always been a fighter, but even fighters need to step out of the ring sometimes. As the tennis world watches, the hope is that she finds her spark again—whether that's in Fort Worth or not until Melbourne Park.
