‘I understand why some people think I’m a bitch’: world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka on screaming, stunt matches, and why she’s much nicer off court
I Understand Why Some People Think I’m a Bitch: Aryna Sabalenka’s French Open Struggles and Off-Court Grace
I understand why some people think - When Aryna Sabalenka faced the press after a dramatic French Open exit, she bluntly stated, “I understand why some people think I’m a bitch.” Her candid remark captured the emotional turbulence she experienced during the tournament, which saw her dominant early form crumble under pressure. The world No 1, known for her fierce on-court demeanor, had entered the event as a title favorite, only to be derailed by a combination of physical and psychological challenges. Her admission resonated with fans and critics, as it highlighted the tension between her aggressive playing style and the public’s perception of her personality.
The French Open Breakdown
Sabalenka’s journey at Roland Garros was marked by moments of brilliance and sudden despair. She had dominated the early rounds with precision and power, showcasing her ability to control matches. However, the quarter-final against Diana Shnaider became a turning point. The conditions, including an open roof and erratic wind, disrupted her rhythm, while her own frustration and errors led to a 7-5, 6-0 loss. During the match, she let out a fiery scream at her coaching team, a moment that became emblematic of her on-court volatility. “I fell into a deep, dark hole,” she admitted, revealing the emotional weight of the defeat.
“If the conditions are insane and the tennis is ugly, why keep the roof open? I respected my opponent, but I was being brutally honest.”
Her post-match interview, filled with raw honesty, sparked discussions about her temperament. Sabalenka acknowledged that her outburst was a reflection of her internal struggle. “I felt like I was fighting myself as much as the opponent and the wind,” she said, underscoring the psychological battle she faced. Despite the setback, she remained defiant, stating, “I understand why some people think I’m a bitch. It’s not about being mean—it’s about the pressure I carry.” This sentiment encapsulated her perspective on the scrutiny she endures as a top-ranked player.
A New Perspective Off-Court
In contrast to her fiery on-court persona, Sabalenka’s off-court demeanor has evolved. “I’m much nicer off court,” she noted with a wry smile, drawing attention to the disparity between her public image and private self. While she admitted to being a polarizing figure in tennis, her recent reflections revealed a deeper self-awareness. “People always say I’m the same, but they’re wrong,” she explained. “I’m not the same person in the locker room as I am in the car after the match.” This contrast has become a focal point in her post-tournament narrative.
Her recovery from the emotional low has been a key aspect of her resilience. “I waited a while before speaking to the press,” she shared, highlighting her effort to process the experience. When she finally addressed the media, her honesty about wanting to quit tennis was met with mixed reactions. “I didn’t think it was that bad,” she laughed, “but the truth is, I was being brutally honest.” This admission, while sharp, demonstrated her willingness to confront criticism and grow from it.
Though her words were unfiltered, Sabalenka emphasized that her intent was to express frustration, not malice. “I was focused on the facts,” she clarified. “The conditions were brutal, and I made too many errors. I didn’t want to say something that sounded ridiculous, like I did last year.” Her reference to the 2025 US Open final, where she criticized Coco Gauff’s victory, underscored her awareness of past controversies. “When the emotions settled, I came to my team and said, ‘Guys, can you believe I said that?’ I felt ashamed of how I came across.”
Comparisons to Jannik Sinner, the men’s world No 1, further illustrate the shared struggles of top athletes. Both faced moments of self-doubt during the same tournament, yet their experiences differed. While Sinner’s collapse was attributed to physical illness, Sabalenka’s seemed rooted in psychological pressure. “It’s like a hurricane out there,” she said, describing the wind’s impact. “The conditions made everything harder, and I had to push through. But it was also my own mind that betrayed me.” Her ability to recover from such setbacks highlights her determination, even as the debate about her behavior continues.