Aryna Sabalenka has made it abundantly clear that she will not stand for disrespectful behaviour from fans after she apologised for her own reaction towards a spectator during the Miami Open final.
The world No. 1 secured a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 victory against Coco Gauff to clinch the Miami Open title on Sunday, with both players showcasing their skills in front of a packed crowd at Hard Rock Stadium.
While Sabalenka dominated much of the match, she did have a brief confrontation with a highly vocal fan in the stands.
The two players engaged in a vigorous exchange midway through the third set when Sabalenka hit a long ball that just avoided crossing the baseline. Gauff responded with her own shot, which ended up sailing wide out of bounds.
A fan could be heard shouting “out” after Sabalenka’s long shot landed, followed by another call of “out” when Gauff’s shot drifted over the sideline.
Aryna Sabalenka during the Miami Open final. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Sabalenka reacted swiftly, throwing a dirty look towards the spectator and shouting “shut up” in their direction.
Chair umpire Tom Sweeny, an Australian, then announced to the crowd that no one was required to assist in officiating the match, as “we have computers to do that”. He subsequently issued Sabalenka a warning for “audible obscenity”.
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The world No. 1 took the warning in her stride and continued to play well, ultimately claiming the title and joining an elite group of women who have completed the Sunshine Double, winning both the Miami Open and Indian Wells in succession.
As she addressed the crowd following her victory, Sabalenka took a moment to communicate with the fan who felt compelled to act as an extra umpire during the match.
“I don’t know where you are, that lady who called ‘out’. I shouldn’t have been that rude,” she said.
“But seriously, this isn’t something you should do. Let’s just agree we were both in the wrong, so I apologise.”
Aryna Sabalenka addresses a fan in the stands. Twitter
She then acknowledged the rest of the crowd, saying: “Thank you all for such an amazing atmosphere.”
“You consistently bring incredible energy and fill the stadium for our final—I’m truly grateful.”
The Miami Open will wrap up with the men’s final between Jannik Sinner and Jiri Lehecka on Monday morning AEDT.
Compiled by SportArena.au.
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