MELBOURNE — Aryna Sabalenka didn’t mince words after her shocking fourth-round exit at the Australian Open, declaring "I’m p***ed off" in a fiery post-match press conference following her loss to Amanda Anisimova.
The Belarusian world No. 2, who was defending her 2023 title, fell 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 to the American underdog in a match that saw Sabalenka visibly frustrated by Anisimova’s tactics—particularly what she perceived as a breach of an unwritten "golden rule" of tennis sportsmanship.
Sabalenka’s Frustration Boils Over
Sabalenka, known for her explosive power and fiery demeanor, struggled to contain her emotions as Anisimova repeatedly took extended breaks between points—a move Sabalenka later criticized as gamesmanship. "She took forever, every single time," Sabalenka fumed. "It’s disrespectful."
The tension peaked in the third set when Sabalenka, serving at 4-5, double-faulted on match point—a rare lapse for the typically dominant server. As she stormed off the court, she was heard muttering, "That’s not how you win matches."
The "Golden Rule" Controversy
Sabalenka’s post-match comments centered on what she called the "golden rule" of tennis: maintaining a consistent pace of play. While the WTA rulebook allows for a "reasonable" amount of time between points, Sabalenka argued Anisimova exploited this to disrupt her rhythm.
"It’s not about the rules—it’s about respect," Sabalenka said. "When you’re up, you don’t slow the game down just to mess with your opponent. That’s not tennis."
Key Moments That Sparked Outrage
Sabalenka pointed to several instances where she felt Anisimova crossed the line:
- Anisimova’s 30-second delay before Sabalenka’s serve at 3-3 in the third set.
- Repeated towel breaks after long rallies.
- A disputed medical timeout for a finger blister late in the match.
Anisimova, when asked about the criticism, shrugged it off: "I play my game. If she can’t handle it, that’s on her."
The Fallout for Sabalenka
The loss marks Sabalenka’s earliest exit at a Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2022. More concerning for her team, however, is her visible frustration—a recurring issue that has sometimes derailed her in high-pressure moments.
Her coach, Anton Dubrov, admitted post-match: "We need to work on her mental resilience. She let this one get away because she couldn’t let go of the distractions."
Fan and Analyst Reactions
The tennis world was divided on the controversy. Former player and ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert called Anisimova’s tactics "smart but borderline shady," while Martina Navratilova defended Sabalenka, tweeting: "There’s a difference between gamesmanship and disrespect. This crossed the line."
Meanwhile, Anisimova’s camp celebrated the win as a masterclass in mental toughness. Her agent, Max Eisenbud, told reporters: "Amanda did what she had to do. Sabalenka’s reaction proves it worked."
What’s Next for Both Players?
Sabalenka, now facing a rankings drop, will regroup before the Middle East swing. Anisimova, riding a wave of momentum, advances to her first major quarterfinal since the 2022 French Open.
As for the "golden rule" debate? It’s unlikely to fade soon. With no strict time violations called during the match, the WTA may face pressure to clarify its stance on deliberate delays.
Sabalenka’s final words on the matter were telling: "I hope the tour takes this seriously. Tennis should be about skill, not tricks."