NEW YORK — Aryna Sabalenka found herself at the center of controversy after her heated exchange with Coco Gauff’s supporters during their US Open semifinal clash. The Belarusian star, known for her fiery on-court demeanor, responded to what she called "rude" comments from the crowd after a straight-sets defeat to the American teenager.
Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, was visibly frustrated during and after the match, at one point gesturing toward the stands and later addressing the crowd’s behavior in her post-match press conference. "I understand the support for Coco, but some people crossed the line," she said.
Sabalenka’s Frustration Boils Over
The match, which ended 6-4, 6-4 in Gauff’s favor, was marked by intense rallies and a raucous Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd. Sabalenka, typically dominant on serve, struggled with unforced errors (28 in total) and was broken four times. The turning point came in the second set when a disputed line call led to jeers from the crowd, prompting Sabalenka to glare at spectators.
In her post-match interview, Sabalenka didn’t hold back: "I expected a tough match, but I didn’t expect some of the things people were yelling. It’s disrespectful." She later clarified that while she thrives in high-energy environments, "there’s a difference between passion and disrespect."
Gauff’s Dominance and Composure
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Coco Gauff delivered a masterclass in composure, neutralizing Sabalenka’s power with her speed and defensive skills. The American, who went on to win her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, credited her mental resilience: "I’ve learned to block out the noise and focus on my game. That’s what champions do."
Key factors in Gauff’s victory included:
- Winning 70% of first-serve points
- Converting 4 of 6 break points
- Limiting Sabalenka’s second-serve success to just 38%
The Crowd’s Role
The atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium was electric, with fans overwhelmingly backing Gauff. While most cheers were supportive, Sabalenka pointed out moments where the crowd’s behavior crossed into gamesmanship. "I love playing in front of big crowds, but when people scream during your serve or between first and second serves, it’s not okay," she said.
Sabalenka’s Response to Criticism
After the match, social media erupted with debates over sportsmanship and fan etiquette. Sabalenka took to Instagram to clarify her stance: "I have nothing but respect for Coco and her team. My issue was with a few individuals who took it too far. Let’s keep tennis respectful."
Tennis analysts were divided on the issue. Former player Pam Shriver noted, "Crowds have always been part of the sport, but players today face more scrutiny than ever. Aryna’s reaction was human, but Coco handled it like a veteran."
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, Sabalenka remains one of the tour’s most formidable players, holding the world No. 2 ranking. Gauff, now a Grand Slam champion, is expected to rise to a career-high No. 3. Their rivalry, which currently stands at 3-2 in Sabalenka’s favor, promises more thrilling encounters in the future.
Sabalenka concluded her press conference with a forward-looking statement: "This won’t break me. I’ll come back stronger. Congrats to Coco—she earned it." The tennis world now awaits their next showdown, hopefully with the focus solely on the tennis.