The tennis world was left stunned when Aryna Sabalenka’s emotional outburst after her US Open final loss to Coco Gauff went viral in September 2023. The Belarusian tennis star, known for her fiery temper, was seen smashing her racket in frustration, leading to a wave of criticism and accusations of faking her emotions for the cameras.
However, in a recent interview with Canal+ Sport, Sabalenka set the record straight, revealing that her outburst was a genuine expression of her emotions. „I was extremely sad, angry, and frustrated,” she said, adding that she needed to release her pent-up emotions. „I’m not hiding anything. I’m not pretending to be someone I’m not.”
Sabalenka, currently ranked world no. 2, explained that she didn’t want to take out her frustration on her coaching team, so she directed it at her racket instead. „I let my emotions take over, broke two rackets, and threw them away. I apologize to Wilson,” she said with a smile.
The incident sparked a heated debate among tennis fans, with some accusing Sabalenka of staging the drama for Netflix, a claim she vehemently denied. „It was all me, no acting involved,” she reiterated.
This isn’t the first time Sabalenka has been seen venting her frustration on her racket. Fans have witnessed her fiery outbursts on several occasions, earning her a reputation as one of the most emotional players on the tour.
However, Judy Murray, mother of former world no. 1 Andy Murray, criticized the release of the footage, calling it a private moment that should have remained private. „That material should never have been made public,” she tweeted.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka has moved on from the US Open disappointment, focusing on her next challenge. She recently advanced to the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 tournament in Brisbane, defeating Julia Putintseva 7:6 (2), 6:4. Her next opponent will be Marie Bouzkova, whom she has faced twice before, with each player claiming one victory.
As Sabalenka continues to dominate the tennis circuit, her emotional outbursts will likely remain a topic of discussion. But one thing is certain – she’s unapologetically herself, and that’s what makes her one of the most fascinating players to watch.
Stats:
* Sabalenka’s current ranking: World No. 2
* Her victory over Julia Putintseva: 7:6 (2), 6:4
* Upcoming match: vs. Marie Bouzkova on January 3
Sources:
* Canal+ Sport
* X Portal
* Twitter (Judy Murray)
* WTA Tour
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