Aryna Sabalenka has drawn flak from fans for her remarks that she dropped in the aftermath of her shock Round of 16 exit at Wimbledon. The top seed was expected to extend her flawless head-to-head record against Naomi Osaka in their most recent encounter on grass.
While pursuing her maiden Wimbledon title, Sabalenka crossed paths with Osaka, an opponent she dominated with a 3-0 record. However, to everyone’s surprise, after an hour and 28 minutes, the Belarusian packed her bags following a 2-6, 6-7 (2) loss to the Japanese.
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In the aftermath of her exit, the four-time Grand Slam champion wanted to forget about her ranking, tennis and get completely drunk.
“Oh, this question, guys. I mean, let’s just look at the ranking. Right now I’m world number one. Level-wise, today I wasn’t world number one. Yesterday I was world number one. I feel like I just don’t even want to think about rankings at this point. I just want to go, get completely drunk, forget about tennis, and try to get in better shape,” Sabalenka said while speaking to the media (Via Reuters).
The World No. 1 star mentioning alcohol didn’t sit well with fans, who questioned the kind of message she was sending to youth as a role model.
“Shes a role model to millions of 15 yr old girls and Sabalenka tells them all, “i cope with losing by getting DRUNK,” a user wrote on X.
“How disgusting and immature of her and the Tennis Chanel! Cheers!?” a user remarked.
“She could have said I played with a better player today, I’ll do better next time. But she didn’t,” a user added.
“True but being a “role model” comes with rules.. She needs to learn to speak w modesty and not share such terrible thoughts. Keep it private,” a user remarked.
“Always try to brush away every loss and does nothing to improve on it,” a user stated.
“So unlikeable every interview Jesus. She can’t stand Osaka lol. The moment she wins she’s a chatter box,” another user said.
Aryna Sabalenka admits Osaka “overpowered” her
During the one-sided affair, Aryna Sabalenka grew as the game progressed, but Naomi Osaka remained a force to be reckoned with. She not only celebrated her first win over the Belarusian on the WTA tour but also ended Sabalenka’s streak of 14 Grand Slam quarter-finals on the trot.
The Japanese got off to a brisk start and actively pursued an early break. She found the opening and scored 2-1. She broke for the second time in the first set at 4-1 and raced to the first set win. Sabalenkea upped the ante in the second, but it wasn’t enough to bamboozle Osaka. Following her defeat, Aryna Sabalenka admitted that she tried her best even though she wasn’t pleased with her performance.
“Obviously I’m not happy with the way I played. But she overpowered me. I feel like it was an incredible level from her. I tried my best. Unfortunately not this year,” Aryna Sabalenka said.
“I didn’t play my best. And she played probably her best. Sometimes that happens. Sometimes you go out there and do everything you can and still lose the match. I’m not really happy. Well done to Naomi and wishing her the best,” she added.
Following her early exit at SW19, a short break could be on the cards for Aryna Sabalenka. She could target competitive action in August.
Edited by Pritha Ghosh
