Social

Aryna Sabalenka satisfies need for speed with F3’s Amna Al Qubaisi ahead of Dubai campaign

By David Kane Feb 21, 2023
Social

From Wuhan, Coco Gauff sends prayers to home state Florida during Hurricane Milton

By Stephanie Livaudais Oct 10, 2024
Social

Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and more get a boost from 'very passionate' Chinese fans

By Stephanie Livaudais Oct 09, 2024
Social

Jasmine Paolini surprises fan in Wuhan after defeating China’s own Yuan Yue

By Liya Davidov Oct 09, 2024
Social

Stefanos Tsitsipas criticizes Fergus Murphy for having "no clue about tennis", chair umpire tells him to "watch more matches"

By Baseline Staff Oct 09, 2024
Social

"It was staged very well": Novak Djokovic goes full tourist in fun Shanghai photo shoot

By Baseline Staff Oct 08, 2024
Social

Aryna Sabalenka welcomed back to Wuhan like an “old friend” as she eyes year-end No. 1 ranking

By Stephanie Livaudais Oct 08, 2024
Social

Manual scoreboards, falling panels and bleachers: More rain in Shanghai forces less-than-ideal indoor conditions

By Liya Davidov Oct 07, 2024
Social

Jannik Sinner shuts down wedding rumors with funny joke in Shanghai press conference

By Baseline Staff Oct 07, 2024
Social

PHOTOS: Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula step out in style for Wuhan player party

By Baseline Staff Oct 07, 2024
Social

Aryna Sabalenka satisfies need for speed with F3’s Amna Al Qubaisi ahead of Dubai campaign

The reigning Australian Open champion channeled the drive into a quick opening-round victory at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

ByDavid Kane

Published Feb 21, 2023

WATCH: Sabalenka wasted little time in her first match since winning the Australian Open, dropping just one game against Davis.

Advertising

On the tennis highway, Aryna Sabalenka has only seen green lights in 2023, and shifted into a new gear ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships thanks to an unforgettable drive with Amna Al Qubaisi.

The F3 driver welcomed the reigning Australian Open champion into the passenger seat as the two took a turbo ride to Dubai’s Kite Beach.

“I got into an accident just once in my life,” jokes Al Qubaisi as Sabalenka makes for the exit.

Much as Sabalenka enjoyed the scenic route, the world No. 2 found herself longing for the kind of speed Al Qubaisi, an Emirati driver, attains on the track.

Advertising

“It’s interesting, to me, what you guys are feeling when you’re sitting in the car,” said Sabalenka, who is yet to lose a match this season.

Seeded second in Dubai, Sabalenka remained in the proverbial fast lane when she played her first match since lifting the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Trophy, dropping just one game against Lauren Davis to advance in 59 minutes flat.