Title favourite Sabalenka lets another Slam opportunity slip from her grasp

Sabalenka's emotions were still raw in an honest post-match news conference which she began by dryly claiming she wanted to quit tennis. It came after she unravelled as increasing winds on Court Philippe Chatrier caused havoc for her - also a factor when she lost to American Coco Gauff last year. Swirling breeze requires sharper footwork and Sabalenka was hindered by her poor court positioning. Sabalenka's preference for first-strike tennis - quickly getting on top of a rally with aggressive shots from the baseline - was not suited to the conditions, and she did not adjust. "The one thing you need to do in the wind is increase your margins," said former British player Naomi Broady on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra. "When that is not your game style and there is the refusal to have a plan B, every now and then it is going to really hurt. "Last year I thought she felt the title was hers. This year she would have thought the title was hers too. "I think these two losses will hurt her a lot." Staying calm in difficult moments will be Sabalenka's challenge over the next few weeks as she switches her attention to Wimbledon, where she has reached the semi-finals on her past three appearances. "I really feel great on clay. I feel great on grass," Sabalenka added. …