Tensions flared at the 2025 Madrid Open when world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Ukrainian star Marta Kostyuk faced off in a fiercely competitive quarter-final clash that ended in controversy. The match, already a high-stakes encounter between two intense competitors, was marked not only by the quality of tennis but also by a heated moment late in the second set that has since sparked debate about sportsmanship on the WTA Tour.
Sabalenka emerged victorious in the hard-fought battle, winning 7-6(4), 7-6(7) after two hours and 32 minutes of high-octane action. The Belarusian star showcased her trademark power and mental resilience, saving a set point at 4-5 in the first set and fending off three more in the second-set tiebreak before clinching the win. But it was what transpired during that critical second-set tiebreak that drew widespread attention and ultimately led to a stinging remark from Kostyuk that has since gone viral.
The Rain Delay That Sparked a Firestorm
With Kostyuk leading 5-4 in the second-set tiebreak, Sabalenka missed her first serve and immediately approached the chair umpire, requesting that play be suspended due to a light drizzle. The umpire initially denied the request, saying, “I don’t think it’s that bad yet to stop. We can still play a bit.” Sabalenka returned to the baseline, seemingly preparing to take her second serve. However, she caught her ball toss and refused to continue playing, prompting further discussion.
Moments later, the umpire relented and allowed a pause in play. Sabalenka returned to her chair, and when the match resumed, she was granted a first serve—a decision that Kostyuk strongly contested.
Kostyuk’s Heated Reaction
Clearly frustrated, Kostyuk protested to the umpire, questioning how Sabalenka could be allowed a first serve after the stoppage. She argued that Sabalenka had voluntarily stopped play without the umpire officially intervening and therefore should not have received a fresh first serve.
“She was waiting for five minutes to serve!” Kostyuk said in disbelief. “She stopped by herself — nobody stopped her… She could have served ten times, and she voluntarily stopped… It wasn’t you who stopped her.”
The exchange was tense and animated, and Kostyuk’s frustration was clear. During the pause, she was seen speaking to her team on the sidelines and delivered a scathing remark about her opponent: “She is never winning a sportsman’s award, that’s for sure.”
A Battle of Brilliance Overshadowed by Controversy
While the tennis on display was remarkable, with both players pushing each other to the limit, the match will be remembered more for the controversy than the scoreboard. The rain delay incident raised questions about how in-match stoppages are handled and whether gamesmanship may have played a role in shifting momentum.
For Sabalenka, the win keeps her bid for another WTA 1000 title alive, but it comes with criticism regarding her on-court conduct. Meanwhile, Kostyuk, who showed exceptional composure and skill throughout the tournament, exits with her head held high but leaves Madrid frustrated by how the match ended.
A Growing Rivalry?
This incident adds a new chapter to what is becoming an increasingly heated rivalry between Sabalenka and Kostyuk. With both players likely to meet again in future high-stakes matches, fans and analysts will be watching closely—not just for their tennis but for how the emotional dynamics between them continue to unfold.
In a sport where sportsmanship and integrity are highly valued, the fallout from this Madrid Open quarter-final will surely fuel discussion in the weeks to come, especially with Roland Garros just around the corner. Whether or not Aryna Sabalenka feels the need to respond publicly remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this match was more than just a game—it was a statement.