Aryna Sabalenka Mutters Obscenity Directed at Ukrainians

Aryna Sabalenka muttered an obscenity directed at Ukrainian players during a match at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, BILD reported.

The incident occurred during the quarterfinal match at the women’s tennis championships in Indian Wells. Sabalenka, ranked second in the world, exchanged words in Russian during play, with lip-readers subsequently translating the phrases on social media as, “These damned Ukrainians, damn it! Or was it this damned Ukrainian bitch, damn it!” BILD reported.

Sabalenka acknowledged the remarks in a statement posted to Instagram on Saturday evening. “That wasn’t directly aimed at Elina,” Sabalenka wrote on Instagram, according to BILD. “I was frustrated by a small group of spectators who were excessively celebrating my mistakes, and I reacted emotionally in that moment.”

The 28-year-old player lost the quarterfinal match to Elina Svitolina by a score of 3:6, 6:3, 1:6. BILD said that Sabalenka previously drew negative attention following the US Open final in September against Elena Rybakina, when she told a cameraman to “fuck off” during the trophy ceremony.

The rivalry between Ukrainian and Belarusian players has remained tense since the war began in February 2022, with Ukrainian athletes declining to shake hands or pose for joint pre-tournament photos with Russian and Belarusian competitors.

Following her victory over Sabalenka, Svitolina advanced further in the tournament. In the early hours of Sunday morning, Svitolina defeated 21-year-old Czech player Linda Noskova 6:2, 6:1, setting up a Sunday final match against 19-year-old Russian player Mirra Andreeva, BILD reported.

“I should have handled my frustration differently; and I apologize to everyone I offended,” Sabalenka told BILD regarding the Indian Wells incident.

It remains unconfirmed whether the Women’s Tennis Association will take disciplinary action regarding the remarks made during the match, BILD reported.

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