Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and a powerhouse in women’s tennis, continues to dominate headlines at Wimbledon 2025, not only for her commanding performances but also for a lively exchange during a post-match interview that showcased her quick wit and determination to keep her narrative clear. Following her commanding straight-sets victory over Elise Mertens in the fourth round, Sabalenka found herself correcting an interviewer who misquoted her comments about her serving prowess. The moment, filled with her trademark charm and assertiveness, highlighted her focus as she advances toward a potential maiden Wimbledon title, all while navigating the pressures of a Grand Slam with poise and humor.
Sabalenka’s 6-4, 6-3 triumph over Mertens on Court No. 1 was a testament to her relentless aggression and mental fortitude. Facing her former doubles partner, the Belarusian unleashed 12 aces and converted three of six break points, wrapping up the match in just over an hour. The victory marked her second consecutive year reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals, a milestone that underscores her growing mastery on grass. However, it was her post-match interaction with BBC interviewer Lee McKenzie that stole the spotlight. When McKenzie suggested Sabalenka had described her serve as “not that great,” the 27-year-old immediately interjected, laughing, “No, no, no, no, no, I didn’t say that. I said my serve was great, but I’m still working on it, you know.” Her playful correction, delivered with a grin, drew chuckles from the crowd and highlighted her confidence in a serve that has become a lethal weapon, evidenced by her tournament-leading ace count.
The interview gaffe came after Sabalenka reflected on her performance, emphasizing her satisfaction with her serving consistency. “I’m super happy with the level I played today,” she said. “I was trying to stay aggressive, and my serve was great today, but I’m still working on it.” Her ability to combine power with precision was on full display against Mertens, a familiar opponent from their 2019 US Open doubles title run. “It’s always tough to play against someone you know so well,” Sabalenka noted, acknowledging the challenge of facing a friend. “You don’t want to play against her, but at the same time, you have to focus and do your job.” Her focus paid off, as she dictated play from the baseline, overwhelming Mertens with heavy groundstrokes and unreturnable serves.
Sabalenka’s journey at Wimbledon has been marked by resilience, particularly after overcoming a shoulder injury that forced her to retire from her quarter-final match at the French Open earlier in 2025. “I’m a different person after that experience,” she said, reflecting on how the setback taught her to manage pressure and stay composed. Her mental growth was evident as she navigated a tricky moment in the second set against Mertens, saving a break point with a bold second serve that clipped the line. “That was a big moment,” she admitted. “I just told myself to keep going, keep pushing.” Her ability to stay locked in, even under the intense scrutiny of a Grand Slam, has positioned her as the favorite in a wide-open women’s draw, with only two seeds remaining in her half.
Off the court, Sabalenka’s infectious personality continues to endear her to fans. Her lighthearted exchange with McKenzie wasn’t the only moment of levity; she also shared a heartwarming anecdote about receiving a drawing from Novak Djokovic’s son after her third-round win over Emma Raducanu. “It was so cute,” she said, beaming. The gesture from Djokovic, a close friend and mentor, has fueled her drive, with the two sharing insights on handling the mental demands of high-stakes matches. Sabalenka’s connection to the tennis community, combined with her fierce competitiveness, makes her a standout figure at Wimbledon.
As she prepares for a quarter-final clash against either Coco Gauff or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Sabalenka remains focused on her ultimate goal: lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish. With a 2023 semi-final appearance as her best Wimbledon result, she’s determined to go further. “I’m just trying to stay in the moment and keep fighting,” she said, her eyes fixed on the prize. The interview mix-up, while a humorous footnote, underscored her insistence on controlling her narrative—both on and off the court. As Wimbledon 2025 unfolds, Sabalenka’s blend of power, personality, and precision continues to captivate, positioning her as a formidable contender for the title and a fan favorite in the sport’s most prestigious arena.
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