PARIS — Aryna Sabalenka faced a wave of criticism following her straight-sets defeat to Iga Świątek in the French Open final, with fans and pundits labeling her behavior as "rude" after she refused to acknowledge the crowd or her opponent during the trophy ceremony.
The Belarusian world No. 2, who had been in dominant form throughout the tournament, crumbled under Świątek’s relentless pressure, losing 6-2, 6-3 in just 76 minutes. Sabalenka later admitted, "I played terrible tennis today. I didn’t bring my best, and Iga was just too good."
Sabalenka’s Controversial Trophy Ceremony Snub
The backlash centered on Sabalenka’s demeanor after the match. Unlike most finalists, she did not applaud Świątek’s victory speech, avoided eye contact, and left the court immediately after receiving her runner-up trophy. Tennis commentator and former player Pam Shriver called the behavior "disrespectful and unbecoming of a top player."
Social media erupted with reactions:
- One fan tweeted: "Sabalenka acted like a sore loser. No grace, no class."
- Another wrote: "Even if you’re disappointed, you owe the crowd and your opponent respect."
- A third added: "Świątek was humble in defeat last year. Sabalenka could learn from her."
Sabalenka’s Post-Match Comments
In her press conference, Sabalenka took full responsibility for the loss, stating, "I didn’t handle the pressure well. I let my emotions get the best of me, and Iga capitalized on that." However, she did not address the criticism of her post-match conduct.
Former French Open champion Martina Navratilova weighed in, saying, "Losing is tough, but how you handle defeat defines you. Aryna needs to reflect on this moment."
A History of On-Court Controversies
This isn’t the first time Sabalenka has been scrutinized for her behavior. Earlier this year, she was accused of gamesmanship during a match against Coco Gauff, where she took extended medical timeouts at critical moments. Some fans argue that her intensity sometimes crosses into poor sportsmanship.
Despite the backlash, Sabalenka remains one of the most formidable players on tour, with two Grand Slam titles to her name. However, this incident has reignited debates about professionalism in tennis.
Świątek’s Gracious Response
In contrast, Świątek was praised for her humility. The Polish star, who secured her fourth French Open title, said, "Aryna is an amazing competitor. I know how hard it is to lose a final, so I respect her fight."
Świątek also acknowledged the crowd, thanking them for their support throughout the tournament. Her graciousness only amplified the criticism directed at Sabalenka.
What’s Next for Sabalenka?
Sabalenka will now shift focus to the grass-court season, where she’ll aim to defend her Wimbledon semifinal points from last year. Tennis analysts suggest she may need to work on her mental resilience to avoid similar controversies in the future.
Sports psychologist Dr. Alan Goldberg noted, "Elite athletes must balance competitiveness with composure. Sabalenka’s fire is her strength, but she must channel it better."
As the tennis world moves on from Roland Garros, Sabalenka’s reputation will be under scrutiny. Whether she addresses the criticism or lets her racket do the talking remains to be seen.
For now, the debate continues: Was Sabalenka’s reaction a momentary lapse in sportsmanship, or a deeper issue that needs addressing? One thing is certain—the spotlight won’t fade anytime soon.