No flower blooms red for a hundred days! Who had their consecutive title streaks ended this season?

Only two ATP500 tournaments have reached the second round, yet last year's Basel champion Pellicard and Vienna runner-up Khachanov have already been eliminated. It seems no streak lasts forever; not only these two but even the top players in the world failed in their quest for a three- or four-time consecutive title in the 2025 season. Among them, whose loss do you find the most regrettable?

❌ Sabalenka’s attempt at a third straight Australian Open title failed, losing the final 3-6, 6-2, 5-7 to Keys.

❌ Sabalenka’s bid for a fourth consecutive Wuhan 1000 title ended in the semifinals, losing 6-2, 4-6, 6(2)-7 to Pegula.

The former hardcourt queen won the US Open final last year and aimed for back-to-back victories at the Australian Open, but fate favored veteran Keys, preventing Sabalenka from lifting the Daphne Cup three times in a row.

After defeating Anisimova at the US Open to finally break her losing streak against American players in Grand Slams this year, many thought Sabalenka’s challenge at Wuhan wouldn’t be too threatening. Yet, it was another American who ended her four-title streak. This year, American opponents have proven to be a particularly tough hurdle for Sabalenka.

❌ Swiatek’s attempt at a fourth straight Doha title failed, losing the semifinal 3-6, 1-6 to Ostapenko.

❌ Swiatek’s bid for a fourth consecutive French Open title was stopped in the semifinals, losing 6(1)-7, 6-4, 0-6 to Sabalenka.

Given Swiatek’s form in the first half of the season, losing these two strongly held titles is not surprising. Moreover, the opponents who defeated her in the semifinals were the world number one and a longtime rival. Although the French Open was once considered her backyard, the double bagel loss there proved her level was inferior at that time. Fortunately, she bounced back strongly at Wimbledon!

❌ Alcaraz’s chase for a third consecutive Wimbledon title was halted in the final, losing 6-4, 4-6, 4-6, 4-6 to Sinner.

❌ Alcaraz’s attempt at a third straight Indian Wells Masters crown ended in the semifinals, losing 1-6, 6-0, 4-6 to Draper.

Alcaraz has barely won any tournaments more than twice in his career so far; even his strongest events, Indian Wells and Wimbledon, slipped away this year. Losing to the rising star Draper and fellow young talent Sinner in the first half of the season is not unexpected. After winning the US Open, Alcaraz has shown a clear improvement in focus during crucial moments in the second half of the season.

Besides the three Grand Slam champions and world number ones, there are also:

❌ Fritz’s attempt at a third consecutive Delray Beach 250 title failed in the semifinals, losing 6(4)-7, 6(5)-7 to Fokina.

❌ Bolt’s bid for a third straight Nottingham 250 title ended in the quarterfinals, losing 3-6, 6-3, 4-6 to Kessler.

❌ Pegula’s pursuit of a third consecutive Canadian 1000 title was stopped in the third round, losing 6-3, 4-6, 1-6 to Sevastova.

So, whose “backyard” being invaded surprised you the most?(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Cheng Qiye)