Aryna Sabalenka stated that she did not mean to upset anyone after stating that she preferred to watch men’s tennis rather than women’s. When asked why she defeated Magda Linette in a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory, she stated it was primarily because she plays a slew of high names on a weekly basis, thus they are her opponents.
Instead of competing in men’s tennis, where she has no opponents. She stated that it is more enjoyable in her mind than seeing her prospective opponents. She began her Madrid Open title defence by overcoming Linette in a tight tie, despite Linette reaching the final in Rouen the previous week; the next opponent is a little easier, Katie Boulter or Robin Montgomery.
“I didn’t want to hurt women’s tennis, no. Listen, I mean, we’re doing our best, and there are so many excellent matchups,” Sabalenka told Punto de Break. “I don’t want to watch it because I play against all of them, and I just want to change the picture, and I watch a lot of women’s tennis before the match, including my opponents.
“It’s not like I don’t like it or like I try to offend what I do, you know. I was just trying to say that because I’m playing there and it’s too much for me, I’m just trying to watch men’s tennis. For me, it’s more fun than watching probably my future opponents in the tournament.” “I’m not one to watch a lot of tennis, I prefer to watch men’s tennis than women’s, I feel there’s more logic and it’s more interesting to watch,” said Sabalenka in her initial comments.
But Sabalenka also disparaged her current form during the same interview. “I feel like I’ve lowered the level a little within this hypothetical’ Big Three’, this last month feels more like a Big Two,” she said with a smile. “However, I’m happy to be part of this group and these things. They continue to play like this. I don’t watch their games, no: I feel like I’ve played against them a lot and that, if I face one of them again, my coach will show me images of the games to analyze and prepare me.
I don’t think it’s about having confidence, it’s about being ready to achieve everything. The important thing is to be ready and prepared for big battles.”