Latvian firebrand Jelena Ostapenko has launched a stunning social media broadside against Aryna Sabalenka, after the Belarusian world number two pulled out of their highly anticipated Canadian Open quarter-final at the eleventh hour.
The tennis world was left reeling when Sabalenka, a recent Australian Open champion, withdrew from the Montreal tournament on Tuesday citing illness. The announcement came mere hours before she was due to face the 2017 French Open winner on court.
Ostapenko, never one to mince her words, took to her Instagram story to vent her frustration. In a since-deleted post, she slammed the withdrawal as 'unprofessional' and questioned the legitimacy of the last-minute decision, suggesting it showed a lack of respect for her, the tournament organisers, and the fans who had bought tickets.
The cryptic post read: "When you pretend to be injured and then you’re dancing the next day? Thank you for respect for the players, tournament, and fans. Very professional.’’
This public airing of grievances has sent shockwaves through the WTA tour, igniting a fresh debate about the protocols and sportsmanship surrounding player withdrawals. Ostapenko’s comments imply a belief that Sabalenka’s illness may not have been entirely genuine, a serious accusation in the high-stakes world of professional sport.
The walkover secured Ostapenko’s place in the semi-finals, where she is now slated to face either reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina or Sloane Stephens. However, the victory has been thoroughly overshadowed by the ensuing drama and the bitter taste left by the circumstances of her advancement.
This incident is poised to add a compelling and tense new chapter to the pair's rivalry, ensuring their next on-court meeting will be one of the most closely watched and emotionally charged matches of the season.
