Sabalenka clarifies viral swearing was at fans, not opponent Svitolina
Sabalenka says she swore at aggressive spectators, not Ukrainian opponent Svitolina, after WTA Finals loss.
Why it matters
Her explanation helps reduce tension between the two players and shows they respect each other as professionals, even though conflict between their countries affects many athletes.
In Australia. Tennis fans following the WTA Finals and global rankings see the incident resolved quickly and professionally.
Key facts
- 6-3, 3-6, 6-1
- Match score
- World number two
- Sabalenka ranking
- 28
- Sabalenka age
- Saturday
- Video posted
- A video showed Sabalenka angrily swearing in Russian during her match loss to Elina Svitolina with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.
- The video went viral on social media Saturday.
- Some viewers thought Sabalenka had insulted Svitolina or Ukrainians.
- Sabalenka said on social media that her anger was aimed at aggressive fans cheering her mistakes, not at Elina.
- She apologized for losing her temper and praised Svitolina's play.
