Sports · Tennis · 4 hrs ago
Jimmy Connors says off-court distractions may be affecting Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka, a Belarusian tennis player and former world No 1, has not won a title since the Miami Open in late March.
She has since lost her top ranking and was beaten in the US Open final by Elena Rybakina.
Former world No 1 Jimmy Connors thinks off-court interests may be affecting Sabalenka’s results, though this is his opinion.
He said she may need to regroup and focus on what helps her win.
Sabalenka has been involved in commercial activities and recently made her catwalk debut in Milan.
She is due to play at the WTA event in Wuhan, then prepare for the Tour Finals in November.
Connors suggested the end of the season could be a chance for her to reset ahead of 2027.
Jimmy Connors said off-court interests may be affecting Aryna Sabalenka’s results.
He said she has “other stuff” on her mind and described outside influences as a bad influence.
Sabalenka has not won a title since the Miami Open in late March and lost her US Open title defence in the final.
She is scheduled to play at the Wuhan Open before preparing for the WTA Tour Finals.
Connors said the end of the season could be a chance for Sabalenka to regroup and prepare for 2027.
- Who
- Jimmy Connors commented on Aryna Sabalenka’s recent results.
- What
- Connors said off-court distractions may be affecting her tennis.
- When
- Connors’s comments were reported on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- The comments were made on the Advantage Connors podcast. The article does not state where the conversation took place.
- Why
- Connors believes outside interests may be affecting Sabalenka’s focus and results.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
She has other stuff on her mind. It’s hard to do (juggle stuff).
Sometimes going for the lines becomes a three or four inches to the wrong side.
Sometimes it’s good to get away for a bit. Regroup, work on your game, get your attitude right.
Sabalenka won the Miami Open, her most recent title according to the article.
Sabalenka’s title defence ended in a final defeat to Elena Rybakina.
Tennis365 reported Connors’s comments about possible off-court distractions.
Sabalenka was scheduled to play at the Wuhan Open.
Sabalenka was expected to prepare for the Tour Finals at Indian Wells.
- Most recent title
- Miami Open, late March
- Current ranking
- World No 2
- US Open final
- Lost to Elena Rybakina
- Upcoming event
- Wuhan Open
- Next campaign
- 2027
Sources
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