Arina Sabalenka is the target of intense criticism, following a video that circulated on social media and allegedly shows her using vulgar language against Ukraine and her opponent, Elina Svitolina, during a match at the WTA Finals. The incident has sparked debate in the tennis world, with many fans calling for the organizing body to intervene.
The controversial moment was captured during the match between the two players on November 13 in Indian Wells. Svitolina prevailed 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, securing her spot in the semifinals, while the Belarusian was eliminated from the tournament. However, the match result took a back seat after the video was released.
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The Ukrainian media outlet Ukrainian Tennis BTU posted the clip, claiming that Shabalanka appears to be uttering particularly offensive expressions in Russian. So far, however, there is no clear audio to confirm exactly what was said.
— Ukrainian Tennis • BTU (@ukrtennis_eng) November 14, 2026
“Those f***ing Ukrainians, for f***’s sake!” Or was it “That f***ing Ukrainian b***h, for f***’s sake!”? These are the words
Aryna Sabalenka appears to be saying in Russian, judging by her lip movements during her WTA Finals match against
Elina Svitolina. What a remarkable display of respect and sportsmanship from the world No. 2. But sure, let’s keep asking Ukrainian players why they refuse to shake hands with their Russian and Belarusian opponents. Apparently, that’s still the bigger problem in tennis.
*photo source: AP
