Two-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka has spoken candidly about the lingering impact of a controversial moment from her past, admitting that her outburst at Roland Garros continues to overshadow much of her career in the eyes of some fans and commentators.
In a recent interview, the Belarusian star reflected on the incident, calling it “painful” to be remembered primarily for a single display of emotion during one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments. “It is painful when everyone completely forgets who you are as a person and as an athlete,” Sabalenka said. “One comment, made in the heat of the moment, becomes the only thing they talk about. Everyone judges you for that.”
The incident in question took place during the French Open, where Sabalenka, known for her fierce competitive spirit and unapologetic passion on court, allowed her frustrations to spill over in a way that drew widespread attention. While the specifics of the exchange have been replayed and dissected countless times, Sabalenka says it’s not the clip itself that hurts the most — it’s the way that single moment has been used to define her in the public eye.
“I’m a human being,” she explained. “Like everyone else, I have emotions. Sometimes you’re under so much pressure, and you care so much about winning, that you react without thinking. But that doesn’t mean that’s all I am. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this level, and it’s upsetting when people choose to only see one side of you.”
Sabalenka’s comments highlight a recurring issue in professional sports: the tendency for athletes to be judged on isolated incidents rather than the full body of their careers. In her case, the 26-year-old has compiled an impressive résumé, including multiple Grand Slam titles, time spent as world No. 1, and a reputation as one of the most powerful and consistent players on tour. Yet, for some, the memory of that Roland Garros moment remains front and center.
The Belarusian powerhouse also pointed out the double standard that often exists in how male and female players are perceived when showing emotion on court. “When men shout or smash a racket, it’s called passion or fire,” she said. “When women do it, it’s drama or a meltdown. I think we need to look at athletes as people and not judge them based on gender or one mistake.”
Sabalenka insists she has learned from the experience and now works harder to channel her emotions in a constructive way. But she also believes fans and the media have a role to play in offering athletes more grace and understanding. “We all make mistakes,” she said. “I’ve apologized, I’ve grown from it. I just hope people can see the whole picture — not just the one frame that went viral.”
As she prepares for the rest of the 2025 season, Sabalenka says her focus is on continuing to compete at the highest level and to represent herself with resilience, both on and off the court. “At the end of the day, I can’t control what people choose to remember,” she concluded. “All I can do is keep working, keep winning, and keep showing who I really am.”