Aryna Sabalenka Stirred Controversy on Purpose, Discloses Marta Kostyuk Before Italian Open Blockbuster

Yahoo

2 days ago

As Marta Kostyuk gears up to face Aryna Sabalenka again, this time at the Italian Open, the Ukrainian touched on the highly controversial moment that marred their last encounter during the Madrid Open.
Sabalenka halted play mid-rally in a tiebreak to avoid a potential double fault. The incident left Kostyuk visibly frustrated and sparked questions about fair play, umpiring decisions, and sportsmanship.
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'Yes, we did consider raising it with the WTA,' Kostyuk said in an interview at the Italian open. 'Sandra [Zaniewska] had a few questions, and maybe we'll come back to it during Roland Garros. But of course, nothing will change now.'
The moment in question occurred during a high-pressure tiebreak when Sabalenka, mid-rally and facing a second serve, stopped play due to light rain.
However, the chair umpire had not made any official call to halt the match, which left Kostyuk fuming at what she viewed as a blatant breach of protocol.
'The rally had already started — she had no right to interrupt it,' Kostyuk emphasized.
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"No matter what the rules say, it's nearly impossible to challenge the chair umpire's call in real time — it all happens in a split second," continued Kostyuk. "The situation was strange — if Sabalenka had stopped the point before the first serve, I wouldn't have any complaints, but the rally had already started and she had no right to interrupt it," she added.
Aryna Sabalenka reacts after winning a point against Jessica Pegula© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
What added further fuel to the fire was Sabalenka's post-match admission that she intentionally paused play to avoid a double fault.
'What's most absurd is that she later admitted in an interview that she did it on purpose to avoid a double fault,' said Kostyuk. 'I have so many questions and not a single answer. But that's how it goes sometimes. She'll have to live with that decision.'
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The controversy has added an extra layer of tension heading into today's rematch in Rome. Kostyuk, who has grown increasingly confident on clay, will be looking to settle the score — not just in points, but in principle.
With both players aware of the statements and the narrative that they each created, fans can certainly expect a fiercely contested encounter.
As the clay season heats up, today's Ukraine vs Belarus clash offers more than just a spot in the next round — it's a battle for pride and, for Kostyuk, redemption.
Related: Late Night Drama at Madrid Open as Marta Kostyuk Has Heated Argument in Loss to Aryna Sabalenka