Aryna Sabalenka’s Raw Interview: “The Hate Is Real—But I’m Not Backing Down”

MADRID, Spain — Aryna Sabalenka has spent years mastering the art of the tennis shot, but her most controversial performance came not on the court, but in a post-match press conference at Roland Garros last June. After losing the French Open final to Coco Gauff in three sets, the Belarusian superstar made headlines for remarks that sparked a global debate about sportsmanship, media scrutiny, and the psychological toll of being the most visible athlete from a sanctioned nation.

In an exclusive interview with Infobae ahead of the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open, Sabalenka—now the world No. 1 in women’s singles and a four-time Grand Slam champion—opened up about the backlash she faced, the weight of representing Belarus under international sanctions, and why she refuses to apologize for speaking her mind.

The Backlash That Followed Roland Garros

Sabalenka’s comments after losing to Gauff in Paris were direct: she attributed her defeat not to Gauff’s skill, but to her own unforced errors—70 of them, to be precise. “I didn’t lose because she played better,” she said. “I lost because I made mistakes.” The remarks ignited a firestorm, with critics accusing her of poor sportsmanship and Gauff’s camp defending the American’s composure under pressure.

What followed was a storm of criticism unlike anything Sabalenka had experienced before. Social media erupted with calls for her to apologize, while mainstream outlets framed her as the “villain” of the match. But the backlash wasn’t just about tennis—it was about perception. As a Belarusian athlete competing on the global stage, Sabalenka is often held to a different standard.

“La diferencia conmigo es que el mundo está mirando. Recibo mucho más odio por lo que hice que otras personas.”

*Translation: “The difference with me is that the world is watching. I receive so much more hate for what I did than other people.”*

In a follow-up interview with Eurosport days later, Sabalenka admitted she had been “completely unprofessional” and that her emotions had gotten the better of her. But she also made it clear that the scrutiny she faces is amplified by her nationality and her status as Belarus’ most prominent athlete.

Why the Hate Feels Different for Sabalenka

Sabalenka’s journey to the top of women’s tennis has been marked by resilience. Born in Minsk in 1998, she turned professional in 2015 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming world No. 1 in doubles in 2021 before claiming the singles crown in 2023. But her path hasn’t been without challenges.

As a Belarusian athlete, she competes under the shadow of international sanctions imposed on her home country following the 2020 presidential election and the subsequent crackdown on dissent. While she has never been directly involved in politics, her visibility as an athlete has made her a target for criticism—sometimes justified, often not.

“When I play, people don’t just see a tennis player,” she told Infobae in Madrid. “They see Belarus. And when Belarus is in the news for the wrong reasons, that reflects on me, whether I like it or not.”

This duality—being celebrated for her athletic achievements while being scrutinized for her nationality—has taken a toll. In a sport where mental toughness is paramount, Sabalenka has had to develop an almost impenetrable shield against external noise.

The Mental Game: How Sabalenka Protects Herself

Sabalenka’s recent struggles with form—including a disappointing run at the 2026 Australian Open, where she lost in the quarterfinals—have forced her to confront her own limits. In Madrid, she spoke openly about the importance of mental health, revealing that she now works with a team of sports psychologists to manage the pressure.

“La salud mental es muy importante,” she said. “He descubierto durante los años que es muy importante rodearte de gente con la que te sientes cómodo, protegido y libre de decir lo que quieras.”

*Translation: “Mental health is incredibly important. Over the years, I’ve realized it’s crucial to surround yourself with people who make you feel comfortable, protected, and free to say what you think.”*

Her decision to skip the Stuttgart Open earlier this season was part of a deliberate strategy to “decongest” her schedule and prioritize her physical and mental well-being. “Esta temporada mi físico ha estado peor,” she admitted. “He tenido que tomar un poco de descanso para recuperarme.”

Sabalenka’s current ranking as world No. 1 (as of May 19, 2026) reflects her ability to bounce back from setbacks, but her journey has not been without sacrifice. Her prize money stands at over $49 million (verified), but the intangible costs—public scrutiny, political associations, and the pressure to perform—are far greater.

Madrid: Where the Crowd Lifts Her Up

If there’s one place where Sabalenka feels truly at home, it’s Madrid. The Spanish capital has become a sanctuary of sorts, where the atmosphere in the stadium and the passion of the fans help her forget the noise elsewhere.

“Conecta conmigo y me apoya mucho aquí. Siempre estoy emocionada de volver a Madrid, de sentir la atmósfera del estadio. Y luego, la comida es increíble.”

*Translation: “It connects with me and supports me a lot here. I’m always excited to return to Madrid, to feel the atmosphere of the stadium. And then, the food is incredible.”*

Sabalenka’s connection with Madrid isn’t just about the crowd—it’s about the culture. The city’s vibrant energy, the warmth of its people, and the sheer joy of competing in front of a passionate audience give her the confidence to perform at her best.

“Odio la derrota, nunca lo olvido y por eso siempre intento salir y dar mi mejor versión,” she said in a recent interview. “Pero sé que es un deporte y cualquier cosa puede suceder.”

*Translation: “I hate losing, I never forget that feeling, and that’s why I always try to give my best. But I know it’s a sport, and anything can happen.”*

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Sabalenka?

With the 2026 season in full swing, Sabalenka faces a packed schedule, including the Italian Open in Rome and Wimbledon later this summer. Her recent struggles have raised questions about whether she can maintain her dominance, but her mental resilience suggests she’s far from finished.

One thing is clear: Sabalenka is no longer willing to be a silent victim of circumstance. Whether it’s addressing her controversial remarks, speaking out about mental health, or simply enjoying the support of Madrid’s fans, she is reclaiming her narrative on her own terms.

“Ganar me lleva a ganar más,” she said. “Pero también sé que tengo que disfrutar el camino.”

*Translation: “Winning leads to more winning. But I also know I have to enjoy the journey.”*

Key Takeaways

• Backlash Amplification: Sabalenka faces disproportionate criticism due to her nationality and visibility as Belarus’ top athlete, not just for her on-court actions.
• Mental Health Priority: She now works with sports psychologists and prioritizes rest to maintain peak performance, acknowledging the psychological toll of elite tennis.
• Madrid as a Safe Haven: The Spanish capital’s supportive atmosphere helps her perform at her best, contrasting with the scrutiny she faces elsewhere.
• Resilience Over Apologies: While she has acknowledged her Roland Garros remarks were “unprofessional,” she refuses to back down from speaking her mind.
• 2026 Season Challenges: Recent form struggles and a packed schedule test her ability to bounce back, but her mental toughness remains her greatest asset.

How to Follow Sabalenka’s Journey

Sabalenka’s next major tournament is the Mutua Madrid Open, where she will look to build momentum ahead of the Italian Open and Wimbledon. For the latest updates:

• Follow her official website: arynasabalenka.komi.io
• Check WTA rankings and schedule: WTA Official Site
• Track her performance on Instagram: @arynasabalenka