Fired-Up Sabalenka Reveals Fury Over Shocking On-Court Comments from Anisimova…Read More…
In a stunning twist following a fiercely contested match, world No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka revealed she was “really angry” about comments allegedly made by American player Amanda Anisimova during their recent high-stakes face-off. What began as a showcase of elite tennis talent soon escalated into an emotionally charged confrontation, with Sabalenka addressing her frustrations in a fiery post-match press conference.
The drama unfolded during the third round of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, where the Belarusian powerhouse Sabalenka narrowly edged out Anisimova in a gripping three-set battle, winning 6-3, 4-6, 7-5. While fans were captivated by the athleticism and shot-making on display, it was the tension simmering just beneath the surface that soon took center stage.
“I don’t usually let words get to me on court,” Sabalenka told reporters afterward. “But what she said crossed a line. I was really angry—not just as a competitor, but as a person.”
Though Sabalenka did not initially disclose the exact words spoken by Anisimova, she hinted that the comments were “personal” and “disrespectful,” suggesting that they struck a nerve far deeper than typical gamesmanship.
“It wasn’t about strategy, or about the match. It was about me, as a person. And I don’t think there’s any place for that in this sport,” she added, visibly emotional.
Spectators courtside had noticed some tension between the two players early in the second set. At one point, Sabalenka appeared to glance over at Anisimova and mutter something under her breath. Both players exchanged terse nods during changeovers, and a moment of awkward silence fell across the crowd as Anisimova reportedly said something audible enough to provoke an immediate reaction from her opponent.
A lip-reading clip shared online shortly after the match added fuel to the speculation. In the video, Anisimova appears to comment on Sabalenka’s “attitude,” while shaking her head following a disputed point. Although the audio was unclear, the body language suggested friction had been building between the two athletes.
When asked for her side of the story, Anisimova offered a more measured response.
“I don’t want to get into a war of words,” she said. “It was a heated match. Things are said. I respect Aryna as a player, but emotions run high out there. If I said something that upset her, I’ll speak to her privately.”
However, that attempt to smooth things over may have come too late. Sabalenka made it clear that she expects a higher standard of conduct from her peers.
“We all work so hard to be here. We’ve all made sacrifices. So when someone tries to rattle you by going personal—especially on a stage like this—it’s not just disrespectful to me. It’s disrespectful to the game,” she said.
Tennis insiders and former players quickly weighed in on the controversy. Former Wimbledon champion Amélie Mauresmo remarked during her commentary that players “must be held accountable for what they say, especially if it affects an opponent’s mental state.” On social media, fans were divided. While some praised Sabalenka for speaking up and standing her ground, others accused her of overreacting.
The tension between Sabalenka and Anisimova is not entirely unprecedented. The pair have a history dating back to their junior years, and while they have largely maintained professional decorum, their rivalry has had moments of friction in the past. At the 2022 Australian Open, an intense post-match handshake hinted at unresolved tension. This latest episode appears to have reopened old wounds.
Meanwhile, the incident seems to have only ignited a new level of focus in Sabalenka. After the emotionally charged third-round win, she was back on Centre Court two days later, dismantling her next opponent in straight sets. Her powerful serves and fearless groundstrokes spoke volumes—as did her silent demeanor throughout the match.
“Sometimes the fire inside can either burn you or light your path,” she said with a slight smile when asked about how she managed to bounce back so quickly.
The All England Club has yet to issue any official statement regarding the alleged remarks or whether they warrant any disciplinary review. However, Sabalenka confirmed that she has spoken to her team about potentially filing a complaint.
“I’m not trying to create drama,” she emphasized. “But I also believe we need to stand for respect. I don’t want younger players watching this and thinking that kind of talk is okay.”
As Sabalenka advances deeper into the tournament, many will now be watching not just her ferocious forehands but also her psychological resilience—one that’s clearly been tested but not broken. Whether this controversy fades away or becomes a defining moment in the evolving Sabalenka–Anisimova rivalry remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Aryna Sabalenka is not afraid to speak her truth—even when the stakes are sky-high.
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