Elina Svitolina pinpoints exactly what’s gone wrong for Aryna Sabalenka in 2026 after ending season at WTA Finals

Elina Svitolina has inadvertently pinpointed the reason for Aryna Sabalenka’s downfall in 2026, after defeating the Belarusian athlete 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells.

The Ukrainian secured her spot in the semi-finals, and ended Sabalenka’s season, while securing her first victory against the Belarusian athlete in six years.

Sabalenka’s season concluded with the setting of three unwanted records, snapping multiple four-year streaks; now, Svitolina’s win has pinpointed the reason for her opponent’s downfall in 2026.

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Elena Svitolina admits that usually ruthless Aryna Sabalenka “gave me opportunities” in WTA Finals win

The Ukrainian, who has claimed headlines since October following her split with fellow tennis star Gael Monfils, admitted inadvertently that there was a stark contrast between Sabalenka’s start and end-of-year performances.

Previously, the four-time Slam champion, who beat Carlos Alcaraz to a little-known award last month, overwhelmed Svitolina at the Australian Open, playing aggressively in a 6-2, 6-3 victory.

Before their recent WTA Finals clash, Sabalenka had won all six of their previous meetings, and forced a deciding third set in Indian Wells after trailing initially.

The Belarusian broke Svitolina early in the Finals’ group-stage phase, then lost six successive games in an extraordinary collapse.

Speaking post-match, the Ukrainian admitted that Sabalenka “gave me a few opportunities” when it mattered most, which saw the Belarusian’s WTA season draw to a close.

“I think she gave me a few opportunities,” confessed the 32-year-old. “I am happy with the way I could find a few good shots. For me, it was important to just hit the ball through the court, find depth. Generally, I’m just happy with the fighting spirit.

“[But] I think she gave me a few opportunities to be back in that third set,” admitted Svitolina, whose words differed dramatically from those she gave after suffering defeat in Australia.

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Elina Svitolina’s difference in post-match comments explain Aryna Sabalenka decline

After being hit off the court in Melbourne to begin 2026, the Ukrainian’s words on Sabalenka’s game couldn’t be further from those she offered after winning in Indian Wells.

Speaking post-match in Australia, after being on the receiving end of a hyper-aggressive Sabalenka performance, Svitolina described her opponent’s second shot as a “punch.”

“She was returning well, quick, and then she had another punch coming on the second shot, after her serve,” explained the 32-year-old.

“Of course, when you play players like [Sabalenka], you don’t have too much time to waste,” concluded Svitolina.

Her differing words are supported by differing statistics. In Melbourne, Sabalenka won just over 43% of first return points; in Indian Wells, that figure fell to just 35%.

Playing aggressive tennis is a gamble, particularly in an era dominated by ‘pusher’ baseliners; however, the Belarusian’s fortitude at the WTA Finals was also severely lacking.

The 28-year-old – whose 2026 season marked her first since 2022 without a Grand Slam, mostly due to her collapse-prone play — saved just two of eight break points in Indian Wells, giving Svitolina a clear path to victory.

In Melbourne, she saved three of four break points against the Ukrainian to set up a Grand Slam showdown against Elena Rybakina – whose WTA Finals withdrawal cost her a staggering sum, despite a 35% prize pot reduction — which she later lost.

Rick Macci, former coach to Serena Williams, also offered insight into Sabalenka’s downfall, after the four-time Slam champion endured a torrid season-ending loss at the Finals.

This year also marked the first for the Belarusian since 2022 to not make the end-of-year event’s knock-out stages.

Despite winning the Sunshine Double in 2026 and making it to two Slam finals – both of which she lost – Sabalenka’s future as a top contender on the WTA Tour is in doubt.

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