Following criticism for nearly hitting a ball boy with her racquet during her semi-final defeat to Jessica Pegula at the Wuhan Open, Aryna Sabalenka said she’s trying to be a “good example” for the younger generation of players “most of the time.”
The world No.1 had led the final set in Wuhan 5-2, before Pegula staged a comeback to lead 6-5.
When the American broke Sabalenka’s serve in the 11th game, the Belarusian threw her racquet at the side of the court in frustration. It narrowly missed a ball boy when it hit a bench and rebounded back towards the net.
READ MORE: Titmus announces shock retirement at 25
READ MORE: Inside the frantic final moments of Curnow trade
READ MORE: Ex-Storm beast confirms R360 approach
She received a a warning but no other sanction.
“For me, tennis became something much bigger when I lost my father,” Sabalenka told the AFP at an event in Hong Kong. “Now I just want to see how far I can go in this sport and inspire the next generation.
“I want to be a good example, maybe. Sometimes I’m not a good example. But maybe also an example of what not to do,” she added.
“Most of the time, I’m trying to be a good example for the next generation, and that’s what inspires me.”
Aryna Sabalenka apologises on court for throwing her racquet. X
Sabalenka’s behaviour also came under the microscope at Roland Garros earlier this year, following her loss in the final to Coco Gauff.
The world No.1 initially dismissed the American’s performance in both her on-court interview and her post-match news conference.
“(Coco) won the match not because she played incredible,” Sabalenka told reporters, “just because I made all of those mistakes.”
She later apologised for her comments, and stated she reached out to Gauff to clear the air.
“That was just completely unprofessional of me,” Sabalenka said. “I let my emotions get the better of me. I absolutely regret what I said back then.
“We all make mistakes. I’m only human and I’m still learning in life. We all have those days when we lose control.”