Aryna Sabalenka apologised after grabbing Laura Robson during a US Open on-court interview, as the world No. 1 struggled to hear the former British player under the closed roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Sabalenka survived a rollercoaster match featuring 11 breaks of serve, beating Taylor Townsend 6-3 6-4 to reach her sixth straight US Open quarter-final. But the on-court interview proved just as challenging, with the top seed unable to make out what Robson was saying and having to pull the Brit away from the microphone.
Number one ranking under threat
Sabalenka has spent 99 weeks as world No. 1, but her position at the summit is under threat at Flushing Meadows. Should Elena Rybakina reach the semi-finals, she would take over the top spot. If Rybakina loses before that stage, Sabalenka, Coco Gauff or Jessica Pegula could end the tournament as No. 1 should one of them lift the trophy.
The four-time Major champion is often the target when she is out on court, meaning opponents bring their best level to try and beat her. When Robson asked about that dynamic, Sabalenka said she could not hear a word.
"I don't understand a word you're saying"
"What I'm loving at the moment in the women's game is that in every tournament, there's four or five players who you think could win the whole thing at the end of the event," Robson said, as Sabalenka looked baffled.
"I know it's hard to hear in here! But there's this incredible depth at the moment, and you face so many challenges from the rest of the draw," the retired Brit continued. Sabalenka had to cut her off. "I don't understand a word you're saying!" she laughed.
"I know! With the roof closed, it's tough. How hard is it for you to come up against the very best in the world each week and know that they're looking for your top spot?" Robson asked, trying again. But it was of no use; the two-time defending champion still could not make out what was being said.
