Each time Aryna Sabalenka steps on court, the world number one creates the impression she is riding an emotional roller coaster.
This was evident when she met French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah in the Australian Open first round on Sunday evening.
When serving in the opening game of the match, she produced a look of utter despair after losing consecutive points.
Sabalenka’s facial expression suggested she was facing match point, instead of trailing 0-30 with only a minute of play on the clock.
As a topsy-turvy first set continued, she regularly gestured towards her box and more than once stood on the baseline with arms outstretched in frustration.
Her many supporters among the crowd were riveted, with shouts of “C’mon…