World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka has spoken out about her stunning collapse at the French Open, where she lost 10 games in a row to Diana Shnaider after leading 6-3, 5-3. In the aftermath, she told the press she wanted to quit tennis, a comment she now says was an honest reflection of her emotions at the time.
Speaking ahead of Wimbledon, Sabalenka defended her on-court outbursts, saying she was simply being truthful. '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?”' she said. She added that she had waited an hour and a half before the press conference to compose herself, but still felt compelled to speak her mind.
The Belarusian also referenced her behaviour after the 2023 French Open final, where she lost to Coco Gauff and said it was the 'worst final I ever played', crediting her own mistakes rather than her opponent’s play. Sabalenka admitted that was worse than this year's meltdown, saying she felt 'mean' and 'not like myself' afterwards.
Sabalenka, who is known for her aggressive style and emotional outbursts, acknowledged that her on-court persona can be misunderstood. 'I understand why some people think I’m a bitch,' she said, but insisted she is much nicer off the court. With Wimbledon approaching, she will be hoping to channel her intensity into a successful campaign.
