Aryna Sabalenka‘s fans are upset with the media because of their frequent questioning of other WTA players regarding a very sensitive matter at the Miami Open 2024. Yesterday, the Belarusian WTA star’s boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, passed away in Miami. As Sabalenka herself did not say anything about the situation, the media turned to her close friend, Paula Badosa.
Even though Badosa said, ‘I don’t want to talk about it,’ the media craved for more updates, and this did not sit well with the fans. The fans find this entire thing quite insensitive toward the 2024 Australian Open winner.
Aryna Sabalenka’s tennis best friend, Paula Badosa was questioned about Aryna Sabalenka’s current situation and her contribution to helping the Belarusian tennis star. Badosa said, “I mean, I don’t want to talk about it. But of course. As I said before, she’s one of my best friends. Yesterday I spoke with her a lot of time. This morning the same. So I know what she’s going through.”
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Opening up about her feelings regarding their upcoming match, Badosa said, “That for me is a little bit shocking also to go through that because at the end she’s my best friend and I don’t want her to suffer. It’s a very tough situation. At the same point playing against her, it’s also uncomfortable.”
Paula Badosa says Aryna Sabalenka is her best friend & she never wants to see her suffer
“A little while ago Caroline was also commenting on Aryna’s situation. She said she saw her earlier on today and gave her space but also let her know she was there for her. Have you had the… pic.twitter.com/gqB2c40Eeg
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 20, 2024
However, the media’s active interest in the situation made Badosa reiterate what she said in the beginning. She said, “Yeah, but I don’t really want to talk about it because I said I’m not going to talk about it. She’s my best friend and I promised that.“
Paula Badosa’s answers assured fans that Sabalenka’s close friends are there with her at this crucial and challenging phase of her life. However, her fans felt utter disappointment seeing the media’s willingness to make headlines over such a tragic moment in Sabalenka’s life.
Fans bash the reporters over their insensitive attitude towards Aryna Sabalenka’s ‘private’ life
Since the official X (formerly Twitter) profile of the Tennis Channel shared Paula Badosa’s response about Sabalenka from her recent press conference, fans got very disappointed. It was reflected all over the social media platform. Fans urged WTA to intervene in the matter so WTA players don’t have to answer about Sabalenka’s life.
The WTA needs to step up and make an announcement stop asking players about Aryna — let it go — there is no comment regarding this – leave Aryna alone during this difficult time — end of story — protect the players – that is what WTA should be doing
— Sal Rough Cuts (@salnbuddy) March 20, 2024
Many tennis fans found the interview questions very inappropriate. One of the user commented, “It’s so seriously inappropriate to put players on the spot…”
It's so seriously inappropriate to put players on the spot like this & expect them to comment. More disappointing is the @WTA silence. Why haven't they issued some kind of blanket statement both to protect Aryna's privacy at this time, & to deter press from asking other players?
— Dr Nik Mac🌻🏴🇦🇺🇪🇺🏳️🌈 (@Nik_M_Macdonald) March 20, 2024
Sabalenka’s fans called the reporters a ‘disgrace’ since they asked almost every WTA player close to Sabalenka about the situation.
Are they going to ask every player about something so private and delicate? These journalists are a disgrace
— Arianna (@AriannaTenisci) March 20, 2024
People asked reporters to refrain from asking such personal questions at a press conference.
Really, tennis press is the worst. Don't ask these personal questions.
— Fita R. (@FitaR) March 20, 2024
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Applauding Paula Badosa’s answer, fans urged journalists to be more sensible while interviewing tennis players.
Journalists should stop asking questions about Aryna..honestly what do you expect to know from other players?.. anyway good answer from Paula. https://t.co/PWU1j3CnVC
— Julia (@tjetjeidrott) March 20, 2024
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The tennis fraternity’s disappointment over journalists’ questions to Sabalenka’s close colleagues showcases that tennis still believes in empathy and support. It also presents that the whole tennis fraternity, including Sabalenka’s fans, are with the Belarusian tennis star at this crucial point of her life.
Read more: REPORTS: Devastating News As Aryna Sabalenka’s 42-Year-Old Boyfriend Passes Away in Miami