World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka has addressed her shocking French Open collapse, explaining that her post-match declaration about quitting tennis was an honest reflection of her emotions at the time. In an interview with the Guardian, Sabalenka discussed the meltdown, her on-court persona, and why she believes people often misjudge her character.
The French Open Implosion
Less than a month ago, Sabalenka suffered a dramatic defeat in the French Open quarter-finals against world No 25 Diana Shnaider. After winning the first set 6-3 and leading 5-3 in the second, Sabalenka lost 10 consecutive games, ultimately losing 6-3, 7-5, 6-0. Following the match, she told the press, "I just want to quit tennis right now," admitting she had fallen into a "deep, dark hole."
Sabalenka explained that she waited an hour and a half before the press conference, thinking she had regained control, only to blurt out her desire to quit. She said, "I actually thought I’d been pretty good. What d’you expect me to say if you ask me how I feel at a moment like that? 'I feel great, I feel fantastic?'"
Misunderstood On-Court Persona
Sabalenka acknowledged that her intense on-court demeanor often leads to misconceptions. She said, "When you see me for the first time, you’re probably going to think that I’m a bitch because of my Slavic face. It doesn’t help with that." She described how she can appear "very aggressive" when walking with a flat, emotionless expression.
She recounted a story about her friend Paula Badosa: "When we met, I was, like, 'Oh, I thought you were a bitch!' And she’s, like, 'I thought you were a bitch, too.' I was, like, 'Well, I guess that’s not true, so we can be friends.'"
Managing Emotions on Court
Sabalenka revealed that she has learned to accept her emotional outbursts as part of her game. She said, "Even if sometimes you see me getting emotional or yelling at my box, it’s something that I need. It’s something that we spoke about with my team; that whenever I feel like I’m holding too much, just throw the racket, yell something, let it go."
Her screaming has been measured at 100 decibels, a level that can cause permanent hearing damage with prolonged exposure. However, she denied using it as a weapon, saying, "In real life, I don’t like conflict. I like to spread the joy and feel the joy around me. I’m a different person."
Battle of the Sexes Match
Sabalenka defended her exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios in December, which she lost 6-3, 6-3. Critics argued it was a disservice to women’s tennis, but Sabalenka countered, "It’s so ridiculous to say that; the guy played grand slam finals. He was coming back after injury and he has been in the top 10. He was the biggest server, the biggest showman on court."
She noted that the match brought attention to tennis, though viewing figures were not published. The original 1973 Battle of the Sexes between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs drew an estimated 90 million viewers worldwide.
Personal Life and Controversies
Sabalenka discussed her engagement to Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis, who proposed in March with a 12-carat diamond ring worth an estimated $1 million. She also addressed the death of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov in March 2024, saying, "Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy."
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Sabalenka said, "I understand why they’re doing that. But I just hope that we could fight it together because nobody wants the war. Like, nobody. Nobody voted for the war to happen." She added, "I just hate when politics becomes involved with sport."
Looking Ahead to Wimbledon
Sabalenka described the French Open defeat as "a slap in the face" but believes it may serve a purpose. She said, "I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. Maybe, later on, I will see the reason and I’ll look back and say, 'Oh, thank you.'"
At 28, Sabalenka has won three grand slam titles: the Australian Open in 2023 and 2025, and the US Open in 2024. She is determined to add more, saying, "I love the competition. I love to win. I love the feeling of improving, of winning the trophies that you’ve been dreaming of, and the life that you’re living. I love it and I’m definitely not quitting."
