Aryna Sabalenka apologises after expletive in on-court interview
TNT Sports was compelled to issue an apology after Aryna Sabalenka used an expletive during her on-court interview following her Australian Open semi-final triumph, reports BritPanorama.
The world No 1 secured her spot in Saturday’s final with a straight sets victory over Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina at Rod Laver Arena. The match concluded with Sabalenka delivering a commanding performance, yet a contentious call during the first set drew significant attention.
During the post-match conversation, the Belarusian became animated when discussing a ruling made against her for a hindrance, triggered by what she described as a natural exhale during a point. Chair umpire Louise Azemar Engzell penalised Sabalenka, a decision that drew her ire despite her comfortable victory.
The incident occurred early in the match. Sabalenka challenged the call, leading to a video review, but Engzell upheld her initial ruling. After the match, an exasperated Sabalenka stated, “It was a different exhale. When you breathe out, sometimes it happens naturally, I didn’t do it on purpose, I knew the ball was flying in.” She expressed disbelief at receiving such a penalty based on her previous experiences at other tournaments.
Despite her irritation, Sabalenka acknowledged that the controversial call ultimately provided her with motivation. However, during her explanation, she let slip the inappropriate language, saying, “Actually, I’m grateful that she did it because she p****d me off, I won that game because I won that game so thanks a lot because next time don’t hesitate again.”
This outburst prompted an immediate response from TNT Sports’ lead presenter Laura Robson, who addressed viewers with, “An apology for the slight mishap with the language there but fair enough.” After defeating Svitolina, Sabalenka achieved her fourth consecutive final at Melbourne Park, a milestone last reached by Martina Hingis.
The victory marked her eighth overall Grand Slam final appearance and continued her pursuit of a third successive Australian Open title. Saturday’s showdown against Elena Rybakina will be a repeat of the 2023 final, where Sabalenka emerged victorious after a tough three-set battle.
Reaching the final has already guaranteed Sabalenka a minimum reward of £1.5 million, while the winner’s cheque stands at £3 million. In a tournament often defined by high stakes and volatility, Sabalenka’s journey offers a vibrant narrative—one underscored by periods of frustration and triumph, illustrating the complex interplay of emotion and competition in elite tennis.
