Aryna Sabalenka interrupts Wimbledon interviewer after 'annoying' accusation
Aryna Sabalenka was quick to stop BBC interviewer Lee McKenzie in her tracks after she accused the World No 1 of labelling her opponent as "annoying" before the Belarusian explained her side of the story.
The three-time Grand Slam winner came through an epic encounter to advance into the semi-finals at Wimbledon. After losing the first set to Laura Siegemund Sabalenka had to dig deep in what was an emotional display before winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
She's yet to make a Wimbledon final and had to fight against the World No 104 from Germany, who confessed she has an annoying style to play against. That quote was attributed to Sabalenka during her post-match interview on Centre Court as she quickly butted it to make sure she wasn't being false accused.
She said: "No, no, no - I didn't say that. They asked the question saying that she says she has an annoying style. I didn't say that, just to make it clear."
Sabalenka laughed as she detailed the story but wasn't laughing at stages on Tuesday afternoon. She said on her opponent's style: "It is a smart game. She is really making everyone work against her, you know you have to work for every point."
READ MORE: Ex-Wimbledon finalist sacks coach and ex-Rafael Nadal ally after three months together
Siegemund broke twice early on and took the first set. The two players continued to trade breaks of serve before the World No 1 eventually got the job done. On numerous occasions she vented her frustration at her team box and claimed they may as well have booked their tickets home when she was struggling.
Sabalenka said: "That was a real test. I need some time to cool down and recover after this. She pushed me so much. After the first set I was looking at my box and thinking, 'book the tickets, we are about to leave this beautiful place'. She played an incredible tournament and match. I'm just super happy with the match and win.
"The atmosphere was another level. Thank you guys for your support, you don't understand how much you helped me to stay in the game and enjoy playing in front of you all."
Sabalenka was beaten in the recent French Open and hasn't yet claimed a Grand Slam this year. She recently took herself into London to let her hair down and admitted down time is vital for her headspace heading into the crunch matches.
"It is about balance - hard work is hard work but also you have to do things you enjoy outside of the court and that has helped me enjoy these battles," she said.
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