Aryna Sabalenka was b**ching up a storm
Aryna Sabalenka’s coach, Anton Dubrov, made headlines at the WTA Finals in Riyadh when he walked out of the players’ box following a heated exchange with the Belarusian during her match against Jessica Pegula.
During the match, with Pegula holding a 2-1 lead in the third set, Sabalenka, visibly frustrated, directed her anger towards the players’ box where Dubrov was seated. In response, Dubrov decided to leave the match, leaving Sabalenka to fend for herself. Surprisingly, this turn of events seemed to ignite a fire in Sabalenka, who channeled all her energy into the match and eventually emerged victorious with a score of 6-4, 2-6, 6-3.
Former WTA pro Rennae Stubbs provided insights into the intense emotions that unfolded between Sabalenka and her coaching team. Stubbs mentioned on her podcast that it is rare for a player and coach to reach the point of parting ways mid-match. She also highlighted how Sabalenka’s realization that her coach had left seemed to refocus her and push her to give her best on the court.
Following the match, Sabalenka publicly apologized for her behavior towards her coach, admitting that she had “gone too far” in her outburst. She acknowledged her frustration but recognized that her actions were uncalled for. Sabalenka also expressed her belief that it was the right decision for Dubrov to walk away from the match, as it ultimately motivated her to elevate her game and secure the win.
With this latest victory, Sabalenka has almost secured a spot in the semifinals of the WTA Finals, with only one more match remaining against Coco Gauff. The incident with her coach has undoubtedly added a layer of drama to Sabalenka’s journey in the tournament, but it seems to have fueled her determination to perform at her best.
In conclusion, the intense exchange between Sabalenka and Dubrov serves as a reminder of the high-stakes and emotions involved in professional tennis. Despite the initial tension, Sabalenka’s ability to refocus and deliver a winning performance showcases her resilience and competitive spirit on the court.
