Aryna Sabalenka addresses player rankings and on-court scrutiny

World No. 1 tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has addressed several topics regarding her career and persona. During a press conference at the Cincinnati Open, Sabalenka corrected a reporter who suggested that only Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff were missing Grand Slam titles in 2026, noting that Elena Rybakina should also be included in that conversation.

Additionally, Sabalenka spoke to TIME regarding the criticism she receives for her expressive on-court demeanor and loud grunting. Addressing potential gender double standards in how emotions are judged, she stated that she does not mind the scrutiny, noting that her intense way of playing is what works best for her. She also reflected on a hindrance call she received at the Australian Open, suggesting that the frustration from the ruling actually helped her play more aggressively.