Aryna Sabalenka insists she didn’t mean to put women’s tennis down when revealing that she preferred to watch men’s tennis as the Belarusian tennis star claims that’s the case just because also watching women’s tennis in her free time would be just too much since she already does a lot of studying about her opponents.
A couple of days ago, world No. 2 Sabalenka shared that she does not watch a lot of tennis matches – but when she does – she prefers it to be men’s tennis. When stating that, Sabalenka also provided some reasons.
“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 (laughs),” Sabalenka said at the start of the tournament in Madrid.
Aryna Sabalenka © Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
But Sabalenka’s comments didn’t sit well with some fans and it didn’t take long before the Belarusian started facing criticism and scrutiny. Considering that Sabalenka is a two-time Grand Slam champion and one of the best top players in the world, those unhappy with her comments argued that she was “disparaging” women’s tennis.
Sabalenka defends herself after comments made about women’s tennis
“I didn’t mean to disparage women’s tennis, I just find it more fun to watch men play because I spend a lot of time studying my opponents, so then in my free time I don’t want to see girls again that I can play against,” Sabalenka said.
Aryna Sabalenka © Getty Images Sport – Elsa
Meanwhile, Sabalenka survived a scare in her Madrid opener as she needed three sets to beat Magda Linette 6-4 3-6 6-3.
On Sunday, Sabalenka will be facing 183rd-ranked Robin Montgomery, who upset Katie Boulter on Friday. If Sabalenka beats Montgomery – and she is the huge favorite to do so despite her form not being the best over the last few months – it will be just the second time since the Australian Open that the Belarusian has won back-to-back matches.
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