The 2025 Madrid Open was marred by controversies involving top WTA players Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, and Elena Rybakina, drawing significant fan backlash and media scrutiny.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faced criticism during her quarterfinal match against Marta Kostyuk. At a crucial moment in the second-set tiebreak, Sabalenka paused the match citing rain, despite the umpire’s initial reluctance to halt play. This interruption, which occurred after a missed first serve, was perceived by many fans as a tactic to disrupt Kostyuk’s momentum. The incident sparked accusations of gamesmanship, with some labeling her actions as unsportsmanlike.
Iga Świątek’s team also came under fire following her semifinal loss to Coco Gauff, where she managed to win only two games. Fans questioned the effectiveness of her coaching staff, particularly after she took an extended break between sets—a move previously criticized in past tournaments. Świątek defended her team, attributing her recent struggles to increased competition and personal challenges, rather than coaching deficiencies
Elena Rybakina’s early exit in the third round led to scrutiny of her coaching team’s strategies. Fans expressed disappointment over her performance, especially given her semifinal appearance in the previous year’s tournament .
These incidents have intensified discussions about sportsmanship and coaching efficacy in women’s tennis, highlighting the pressures top players and their teams face on the global stage.
