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Ekaterina Alexandrova revealed she simply told herself to give it all against Aryna Sabalenka so she wouldn't have any regrets even if she lost the match.
After beating 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu in the Doha first round, the world No. 26 also took down the top-seeded Belarusian 3-6 6-3 7-6 (5).
Not only that the Russian managed to complete a big comeback against Sabalenka, but she also twice came back from a break down in the third set.
"It was a very difficult match to play against her, because she's a fighter and she plays every single point. not matter what," Alexandrova said following her win.
"I told myself before the match that you just need to do the maximum you can do tonight, and if you lose, you know that you've tried everything."
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Alexandrova has always been a tricky rival for Sabalenka
Over the years, the 30-year-old has never been an easy opponent for the three-time Grand Slam champion.
Following their latest match, the head-to-head between them stands at 4-4.
Before this clash, Sabalenka won their 2024 US Open clash - but it didn't come easy - since she needed three sets 2-6 6-1 6-2.
On Tuesday, the world No. 1 was having a hard time again against Alexandrova but it appeared that she would ultimately escape with a three-set win.
But then, she twice blew a lead of a break in the third set.
For Sabalenka, this was her first match since losing the Australian Open final.
In her pre-tournament presser in Doha, she said she would use the Qatar Open and Dubai as "a preparation" for Indian Wells and Miami.
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"I believe I'll just take these two tournaments as a preparation for the Sunshine one, and I'll try to build my tennis, and probably take my tennis to the next level in these two events," the world No. 1 said.
