World number one Aryna Sabalenka blamed a lack of focus and motivation for her last-16 defeat at the Dubai Championships, where she fell 6-3 6-2 to world number 38 Clara Tauson.

Clara Tauson on beating Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai “I tried to take my chance.. I’ve had a crazy 24 hours after yesterday. I slept maybe 5 hours & went to sleep at 3:30 am. I didn’t know what shape I’d come out here in. Pretty good one” 😂 pic.twitter.com/83pONQR8l5

The world No. 1 has won just one of the three matches she contested during this Middle East swing. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Aryna Sabalenka has blamed a lack of hunger and focus on court for her last-16 exit in Dubai at the hands of world number 38 Clara Tauson on Wednesday. The world number one has won just one of the three matches she contested during this Middle East swing,