No Relief for Aryna Sabalenka as Controversial Remark Continues to Draw Flak After Iga Swiatek’s Wild Shade

The recent feud between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek has not been forgotten. Back when the Australian Open champion revealed her choice of enjoying ATP matches over WTA ones, it may have offended the World No.1, to which she replied with a massive Madrid Open win. While discussions were still not closed on the topic, a renowned American sportscaster came forward to fuel the controversy.

On May 9, the legendary voice of Ted Robinson returned to the Tennis Channel Inside-In Podcast to dissect the thrilling Madrid Open. Robinson dived deep into the epic women’s final, where Iga Swiatek edged out Aryna Sabalenka in a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 nail-biter. Moreover, he also analyzed Swiatek’s reign as the undisputed queen of the WTA. However, the remarks revolving around women’s tennis drew flak for Saba once again.

Fragmentation within tennis allows individual tournaments and organizations to be pitted against each other by players, sponsors, and broadcasters. A united front, as hinted by Robinson, could present a stronger negotiating position for revenue sharing, broadcast deals, and player compensation. “If there’s ever a time that it makes sense for the powers of tennis, all of them, to get together and pursue what’s been discussed in these proposals that we read about and hear about uniting tennis, this is the time to do it,” stated Robinson of tennis as a whole.

Robinson added more weight to the incident, highlighting that women’s tennis is a lot of fun to watch with players like Iga being featured. “The women’s tour right now, women’s tennis is a ton of fun to watch. The best are there, and you know we see it,” he stated, adding more value to Swiatek’s comment. Along with that, he also generated anticipation in the minds of the fans by saying, “We’ll see it in Rome; we’ll see it again at Roland Garros.”

For context, Aryna appeared for a press interview ahead of the Madrid Opew and expressed her views on the possibility of a ‘Big Three’ with Swiatek and Elena Rybakina. Sabalenka jokingly downplayed her recent performance, suggesting it might be more of a ‘Big Two’ right now. Interestingly, she revealed she doesn’t watch women’s matches but, instead, watches men’s tennis. “I’m not someone who watches too much tennis. I prefer to watch men’s tennis rather than women’s tennis. I feel like there is more logic, and it’s more interesting to watch.”

Propelling the debate to a stunning conclusion, Swiatek handed Sabalenka a disappointing defeat in the third-set tie-break in Madrid. During the post-match interview, Swiatek didn’t hold back, saying, “Who’s going to say now that women’s tennis is boring, right?” Immediately after the remarks, the Madrid crowd broke into loud cheers, agreeing with her. While Swiatek didn’t name any names, it was assumed her quip was aimed at Sabalenka. While she found herself surrounded by controversy, Saba quickly justified her previous comments.

Aryna Sabalenka takes a U-turn on her comment

Following her controversial comments about primarily watching men’s tennis, Aryna Sabalenka found herself facing renewed questions after her first win at the Mutua Madrid Open 2024. This time, the Belarusian star offered clarification on her previous statements.

“I didn’t mean to disparage women’s tennis. I just find it more fun to watch the men play because I spend a lot of time studying my opponents. So, then, in my free time, I don’t want to see the girls I play against again,” Sabalenka said, explaining how her comment didn’t mean to disrespect the popularity of WTA or any of its aspects.

As the discussion over gender equality in tennis continues, the Madrid Open final stands as a reminder for fans that the nature of women’s tennis is just as thrilling as that of men’s. Although Sabalenka’s statement was just a candid revelation, the responses she received from Iga Swiatek and Ted Robinson have helped many appreciate women’s tennis for what it is.