World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka has revealed she currently has a "hate relationship" with Wimbledon following her third semi-final defeat at the tournament.
The Belarusian fell 4-6 6-4 4-6 to Amanda Anisimova on Thursday, extending her frustrating record at SW19.
"I lost three semis, three tough ones. Then I was banned from playing. Then I was injured. So I have really more of a hate relationship right now with Wimbledon," Sabalenka said after the match.
The 27-year-old's troubled history with the Championships includes missing the 2022 tournament due to a ban following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and withdrawing last year with a shoulder injury.
World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka has revealed she currently has a "hate relationship" with Wimbledon following her third semi-final defeat at the tournament
PA
Despite her difficulties at the All England Club, Sabalenka remains hopeful about eventually claiming the title.
"I really hope that one day I will, yeah, turn it around and have a love relationship," she stated.
The 2024 US Open champion acknowledged that if she does win Wimbledon in future, she will reflect on these painful defeats differently.
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Amanda Anisimova was too strong for Aryna Sabalenka in their Wimbledon showdown on Thursday
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"Of course, if one day I'm going to be able to win it, of course, I'm going to look back on all of these tough losses and think that I still did it," she said.
"Yeah, now it's tough, but I never give up, and I'm going to come back stronger, for sure."
Sabalenka admitted she struggled to control her emotions during the match, revealing she considered smashing her racket at several points.
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"Every time when I was really that close in that match today to completely lose it and start, I don't know, yelling, screaming, smashing the rackets, I keep reminding myself that's not an option," she explained.
"Even right now I took a bit more time before doing my media just so I can be Aryna, not that crazy person on that media day at Roland-Garros [when she lost her cool during her defeat to Coco Gauff].
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During the match, Sabalenka claimed Anisimova "p****d her off" by celebrating before she had reached her shot, suggesting her opponent broke etiquette.
She acknowledged the importance of maintaining composure, saying emotional control "is not going to help me to stay in the match and to fight for my dream."
Aryna Sabalenka cut a frustrated figure during her elimination from Wimbledon
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Anisimova's victory sets up a final against Poland's Iga Swiatek on Saturday, with both players seeking their maiden Wimbledon title.
The American world No 13 will compete on Centre Court for her first Grand Slam championship, whilst Swiatek aims to add the Wimbledon crown to her collection of major titles.