Belarus’ world number one arena Sabalenka was attacked by an overly dedicated and skilled coach on Friday, saying the sport has no place for them.
Sabalenka, who won three grand slams along with 20 tour titles, said some past coaches have beaten her and said they don’t exist much in tennis.
“It’s not pushing me too hard,” Sabalenka said at a press conference after winning Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in the third round, 6-2, 6-3. “I’ve always been very motivated and they didn’t need to push me. But I’ve heard a lot. I’m not smart enough, I’m stupid, I’ve never made it and I have nothing to put it on top.”
Asked how she responded to those comments, Sabalenka said: “I was just laughing and saying, ‘We’re going to see.’ ”
Sabalenka has been one of the most dominant players on the women’s tour in recent years, winning back-to-back Australian open titles in 2023 and 2024, and the 2024 US Open Crown. She has won nearly $35 million in prize money for her career.
“To be honest, I think they don’t know anything, so I think they’ll want to send a simple message to them to quit their job.
Sabalenka is one of his bets favourites at Roland Garros, with +260 odds as of Friday on ESPN BET, but is pleased to leave his favorite tag to four-time champion Iga Swiatek (+240).
“It’s hard to predict in women’s tennis. You know. She won, so let’s leave it to the IGA. Sabalenka said, “…I’ll leave it for her.”
Swiatek had a problematic pre-tournament swing, but since the start of Roland Garros, the Polish players have been doing well.
Sabalenka has also steamed his opponents, allowing only 10 games in the first three rounds. She established the 16th American conference with Amanda Anishimova in the fourth round.
Reuters contributed to this report.