PARIS — Aryna Sabalenka stunned the tennis world by dethroning Iga Swiatek in a thrilling French Open quarterfinal, only to risk alienating the Parisian crowd minutes later with a controversial post-match remark. The Belarusian world No. 2 delivered a masterclass to end Swiatek's 20-match Roland Garros winning streak but then dropped herself in hot water with local fans.
Sabalenka's 6-4, 6-7(1), 7-5 victory over the three-time champion was a seismic upset, marking Swiatek's earliest exit at the French Open since 2019. Yet during her on-court interview, Sabalenka quipped, "I guess you won't be supporting me in the next round either, huh?" — a remark met with audible groans from spectators who had just witnessed her historic triumph.
A Tense Atmosphere
The comment highlighted the lingering tension between Sabalenka and French Open crowds, who have historically favored Swiatek and other European players. Sabalenka, who has faced criticism for her perceived neutrality regarding Belarus' role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has often been met with subdued reactions in Paris. Her latest quip only amplified the divide.
Tennis analyst Jon Wertheim noted on social media: "Sabalenka played the match of her life, then immediately reminded everyone why she struggles to win over crowds. A self-inflicted wound after a career-defining win."
The Match That Changed the Tournament
Sabalenka's victory over Swiatek was a tactical masterpiece, blending her trademark power with uncharacteristic patience. Key moments included:
- Breaking Swiatek’s serve in the opening game, setting an aggressive tone
- Saving three set points in the second-set tiebreak before collapsing 7-1
- Rallying from 2-4 down in the decider with a brutal display of hitting
Swiatek, usually unflappable on clay, admitted post-match: "Aryna was just too good today. She took risks, and they paid off. I couldn’t find answers in the crucial moments."
The Aftermath
Sabalenka’s remark quickly overshadowed her on-court heroics. Fans on social media were divided, with some praising her honesty and others criticizing her for lacking grace. One Twitter user wrote: "She beats the favorite, then acts like the villain. Strange way to celebrate."
The incident recalled past controversies involving Sabalenka, including her strained relationship with Ukrainian players and her decision not to publicly condemn Belarus’ political alignment with Russia. Last year, she was booed at Wimbledon after refusing to answer questions about the war.
What’s Next?
Sabalenka faces either Elena Rybakina or Jasmine Paolini in the semifinals. Whether the crowd’s reaction affects her remains to be seen. After her quarterfinal win, she shrugged off the tension: "I play for myself, not for applause. If people don’t like me, that’s their problem."
However, former champion Mats Wilander warned: "The French Open crowd can make or break you. Aryna might regret poking the bear when she needs their energy in a tight semifinal."
Conclusion
Sabalenka’s victory over Swiatek was a career-defining moment, proving she can conquer clay’s toughest challenge. Yet her post-match comment risked undoing that goodwill, reinforcing perceptions of her as an outsider in Paris. As she chases her first French Open title, the question isn’t just whether she can outplay her opponents—but whether she can win over a skeptical crowd.
For now, Sabalenka remains unapologetic. When asked if she’d change her approach, she fired back: "Why should I? I’m here to win tennis matches, not popularity contests."