Aryna Sabalenka has addressed the recent criticism she faced after expressing her preference for watching men’s tennis over women’s matches, citing a perceived higher level of strategy.
Despite the controversy, Sabalenka has started her Madrid Open title defense with a win, defeating Magda Linette 6-4 3-6 6-4 to advance to the third round in the Spanish capital.
In a pre-tournament press conference, Sabalenka discussed her place within the hypothetical ‘Big Three’ of women’s tennis, acknowledging the recent dominance of certain players. She explained that while she respects her peers, she prefers to focus on her own game rather than watch their matches.
Following her victory over Linette, Sabalenka addressed the criticism of her comments, clarifying that she did not intend to discredit women’s tennis. She emphasized her commitment to the sport and explained that her preference for men’s tennis stems from her extensive analysis of opponents before matches.
Sabalenka’s remarks have sparked debate, but she hopes to refocus attention on her performance as she prepares to face wildcard Robin Montgomery in the Madrid Open third round on Sunday.
Despite the controversy surrounding her comments, Aryna Sabalenka remains focused on her performance at the Madrid Open. Her clarification provides insight into her approach to the game, and she hopes to move past the criticism and return attention to the match court.
