Aryna Sabalenka’s Match Controversy
Aryna Sabalenka’s emotions ran high during her match against Rebeka Masarova at the Berlin Open, which was controversially halted and rescheduled for Thursday. This clash marked Sabalenka’s return to the court following her heartbreaking defeat in the 2025 Roland Garros final against Coco Gauff, where she had initially won the first set.
Match Dynamics and Delay
Despite her early success in this match, taking the first set 6-2, the contest dragged on largely due to an extended previous matchup between Jessica Pegula and Liudmila Samsonova. As evening approached, Masarova raised concerns over the condition of the grass court, claiming it was too slippery for play.
This claim surprised many, especially since there had been no rain throughout the day, and there were no prior complaints about the Berlin courts. The match’s supervisor acknowledged Masarova’s reservations, especially as Sabalenka had just played two games on the same side without issue.
Sabalenka’s Reaction
Sabalenka’s response was evident; she expressed agitation and accused Masarova of using her court concerns as a pretext for stopping play due to her disappointing performance in the first set. Adding to the tension, Sabalenka displayed her displeasure with a sarcastic thumbs-up gesture aimed at Masarova before gathering her belongings.
The supervisor later explained that continuing to play was futile because darkness was impending, stating it was around 8:30 p.m.. While he suggested that the match could not be concluded before it became too dark to see, Tennis Channel commentator Nick Lester implied that the sun wouldn’t fully set until 9:30 p.m., suggesting there might have been sufficient time to complete the match if Sabalenka had maintained her momentum.
Looking Ahead
Sabalenka, a veteran known for her intense competitiveness and occasional fiery reactions, seemed particularly frustrated by the situation. Despite this late-match turmoil, she is expected to return for the continuation, aiming to secure a spot in the quarterfinals against either Elena Rybakina or Katerina Siniakova.
