Aryna Sabalenka has called on tennis' lawmakers to make a drastic change for the top 10 players in the world. The Belarusian, who has sat top of the WTA rankings for close to two years, is a four-time Grand Slam champion, having won the Australian and US Opens on two separate occasions.
Ahead of the Canadian Open, which gets underway in North America this week, Sabalenka proposed a change to the way tennis stars appear in front of the media. She posted on X: "How about pre-tournament media to be changed? Top 10 players together for press conference? F1 style? Fun no?"
'That is precisely the problem with tennis'
Her suggestion sparked plenty of debate in the comment section. One reply read: "That is precisely the problem with tennis: the notion that only ten players exist. It is a huge mistake and shows a lack of respect for the others. We ought to recognise that the world number 200 is a professional struggling to make a living from the sport, simply because, for many, only the top ten matter."
Another critic wrote: "Tennis is a sport where 128/64/32 players draw out Why do you think people are only interested in the Top 10?"
Support for F1-style press conferences
Others were more supportive. One commenter said: "That would work. Even better: make post-match media optional. Players that opt out, would have to put together a 3 minute video where they get the match off their chests." Another replied: "YEEES. WTA TOP10 all at once on press to discuss some things. I am here for it."
Pay dispute backdrop
Sabalenka, 28, has not been afraid to stick her head above the parapet in the past, having previously cut her press conferences short in response to the ongoing pay dispute. She is part of a crop of players across the WTA and ATP Tours who believe they deserve a higher percentage of Grand Slam prize money.
Ahead of this year's French Open, Sabalenka said: "I'm here to talk to you because I have respect for you guys. We just wanted to make our point and we are united - 15 minutes is better than zero. As I said a thousand times today, I have huge respect, but we know what's happening here, so thank you so much."
