“She deliberately extended her breaks to disrupt my rhythm!” – Aryna Sabalenka criticized Elena Rybakina after the WTA final, claiming Rybakina used a truly “dirty” tactic, splitting fans into two sides. Rybakina reacted sharply, accusing Sabalenka of making excuses for her poor performance and adding five more jabs at her.
The WTA Final in Cancun ended not only with a thrilling display of tennis but also with controversy that has divided fans across the world. Aryna Sabalenka, the fiery Belarusian star, lost a hard-fought three-set battle against Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina. However, what happened after the match quickly overshadowed the tennis itself. In a heated post-match interview, Sabalenka accused Rybakina of using unsportsmanlike tactics, specifically taking excessively long breaks between games to throw her off balance.
“She deliberately extended her breaks to disrupt my rhythm,” Sabalenka said angrily. “I know what she was doing. Every time I started to feel momentum, she would walk away, take her time, and break the flow. It’s a dirty tactic, and I didn’t expect it from her.” Her statement immediately set social media ablaze, with fans debating whether her comments were justified or simply an emotional reaction to defeat.
Rybakina, known for her calm and composed demeanor, didn’t stay silent for long. Within hours, she fired back in her own press conference. “If Aryna wants to blame something, she should blame her own mistakes,” Rybakina said sharply. “I played fair and followed the rules. Maybe she just can’t accept losing.” She went further, adding, “It’s not the first time she’s made excuses. Maybe she needs longer breaks to cool her temper, not me.”
The tension between the two has been simmering since their earlier clashes this season, with both athletes sharing a fierce rivalry that often spills beyond the baseline. While Sabalenka thrives on emotion and power, Rybakina’s cool precision and mental stability have often neutralized her. This latest outburst only deepened the perception that the rivalry has become one of the most personal in women’s tennis.
Fans have been divided. Some supported Sabalenka, arguing that Rybakina’s prolonged breaks indeed disrupted the flow and violated the spirit of fair play. Others defended Rybakina, saying she used her allowed time wisely and that Sabalenka simply failed to manage her emotions. Tennis analysts also weighed in, with some noting that psychological tactics have always been part of the sport’s mental game.
Interestingly, the WTA itself has not commented on the controversy, though insiders suggest that the tournament officials reviewed the match and found no rule violations. Still, Sabalenka’s accusations and Rybakina’s biting replies have ensured that the debate will linger far beyond the final point.
As the two prepare for their next tournaments, all eyes will be on whether this heated exchange turns into a full-blown rivalry or simply fades away with time. One thing is certain: the WTA Tour has found its next great drama, and both Sabalenka and Rybakina have made it clear that their battle extends far beyond the court.
