Aryna Sabalenka criticised over sarcastic behaviour towards her team by former world No 1
Aryna Sabalenka has come under fire for her behaviour towards her team after the Stuttgart Open final by former doubles world No 1 Rennae Stubbs.
The world No 1 frequently makes sarcastic comments towards her coaching team and jokingly blames them for her losses during runner-up speeches.
In the 2025 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix final, Sabalenka turned in a poor performance for her standards as she fell 4-6, 1-6 to Jelena Ostapenko.
It was the three-time Grand Slam champion’s fourth defeat in as many finals at the WTA 500 tournament in Stuttgart.
The winner of the indoor clay-court event is rewarded with a Porsche, and Sabalenka reminded her team of this fact during the trophy ceremony after missing out on the prize again.
“Well, every year my team [is] hoping to get the car and we’re gonna drive the car in Miami — not this year,” the Belarusian said. “So, no car for you guys. Ha ha, you have to buy one car, so whatever.
“Thank you guys for being here today watching this incredible performance from me. I know you enjoyed it so much and yeah, we’re definitely gonna talk about that, and hopefully (laughs) next final we’re gonna do better.”
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Speaking on an episode of her Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Stubbs criticised Sabalenka’s latest sarcastic jokes towards her box.
“One thing I am getting a little bit tired of with Aryna, and listen, we all love the histrionics and the crazy… and the speeches, but I’m really tired of her going after her team when she loses with sarcasm, I’m over it,” the Australian said.
“At this point it’s like, alright, stop telling your team, ‘hey guys, great job today.’ It’s just every time, I’m like… it’s gotten stale.
“So Aryna, we gotta up that. You just gotta thank your team or not and just stop giving them s**t, because it’s so passive aggressive and it’s a little annoying.
“It’s just not funny. And then she tries to laugh and everyone’s like, ‘yeah, no, it’s not funny.’ You’re giving guys s**t.’
Sabalenka will next compete at the Madrid Open, where she will face Anna Blinkova or Panna Udvardy in her opening match.
The 26-year-old is a two-time champion at the WTA 1000 tournament in the Spanish capital.
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