“Leave Aryna Sabalenka alone,” fans annoyed by Miami media intrusiveness
In the first matches in Miami, journalists asked questions about the dramatic situation with Badosa and Wozniacki: a situation that annoyed the fans
“Leave Aryna Sabalenka alone,” fans annoyed by Miami media intrusiveness
Aryna Sabalenka will take to the court to play the WTA 1000 in Miami, but without giving interviews or press conferences after the matches.
The Belarusian tennis player apparently made this decision despite the tragic death of her boyfriend Konstantin Koltson, former NFL star who, according to the reconstruction of the Miami police, committed suicide by throwing himself from the balcony of her hotel.
If anyone feels the need to judge her for playing, please stop.
The grieving process is so much more complex than whatever your opinion is.
She deserves kindness in her healing journey 🙏❤️
(via @BartekIgnacik) pic.twitter.com/nLm8RdCNvU
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 19, 2024
Sabalenka still has two days to withdraw from the event in her case, considering that her second round match against her friend Paula Badosa is scheduled for Friday.
The rumors seem to be confirmed by a particular aspect: despite the very difficult moment that she is experiencing together with her family, the winner of the Australian Open trained in Florida and therefore did not cancel the scheduled training session.
In the meantime, the cause that led to her tragic death is being investigated on the former hockey champion. While some Belarusian media initially put forward the hypothesis of a blood clot, the Miami Police Department revealed and confirmed that it was an alleged suicide. The news and the latest news on the case have been spread from CNN.
Fans meanwhile turned against the media present in the press room at the Miami Open, who asked questions about Sabalenka’s state of mind during the press cinference of Caroline Wozniacki and Paula Badosa.
“It’s also a shock for me because she’s my best friend and I don’t want to see her suffer. It’s very difficult. Playing against her won’t be pleasant at all,” said Badosa.
Aryna Sabalenka will face Paula Badosa for her first match after the death of her boyfriend 🖤
“It’s also a shock for me because she’s my best friend and I don’t want to see her suffer. It’s very difficult. Playing against her won’t be pleasant at all.” – Paula Badosa pic.twitter.com/YiRBiyP1Ax
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) March 20, 2024
“I’m also tearing up. It’s such a terrible situation. It’s so hard. I reached out to her and I told her that I was here if she needed anything. I can’t even imagine what Aryna Sabalenka is going through right now. I’m saying that,” replied Caroline.
Caroline Wozniacki extends her support to a grieving Aryna Sabalenka.#tennis pic.twitter.com/jzfa5nuvlt
— FirstSportz Tennis (@FS_Tennis1) March 20, 2024
Fans complained to the media of being disrespectful and intrusive, in a tragic moment like the one the Belarusian star is experiencing, therefore asking journalists to leave Aryna Sabalenka alone.
Below are some of the most significant comments shared by users:
Can they not be so intrusive??? 😩 pic.twitter.com/kHvGommRdg
— Emily 🩷 (@TTnewpsie) March 19, 2024
I mean what do you expect the players to say about another player’s personal life and pain? It seems like these questions are just bait for grabbing headlines since the tragedy is a trending topic sadly https://t.co/NiCv1lC4pc
— Melanie Lautrup (@melanie_lautrup) March 19, 2024
I wrote the Miami Open about this. It is appalling that they are allowing questions to other players about a personal matter of someone who has changed the sport AND who has decided to stay in the tournament, which will only benefit their bottom line. The LEAST they could do is…
— MolliathGaming (@MolliathGaming) March 20, 2024
It’s so seriously inappropriate to put players on the spot like this & expect them to comment. More disappointing is the @WTA silence. Why haven’t they issued some kind of blanket statement both to protect Aryna’s privacy at this time, & to deter press from asking other players?
— Dr Nik Mac🌻🏴🇦🇺🇪🇺🏳️🌈 (@Nik_M_Macdonald) March 20, 2024
I think when players are asked about Aryna they should just say no comment it an appropriate question. I am respecting Aryna’s privacy.
The media are being disrespectful leeches about this.
— Vicki Mainard 🇦🇺🕹🏀🐈 (@vmainard) March 20, 2024
They’re actually vultures genuinely vultures I’m so tired of all the discourse, commentary, and opinions on here too. https://t.co/DdJ9QNbI0m
— . (@penkostephens) March 19, 2024
fucking idiots for even asking her that, leave Aryna and her close ones alone, stop asking about that!!!!! https://t.co/Tkr34EPyLv
— ciem_ny | jiří lehečka stan account (@ciem_ny) March 20, 2024
Can they not be so intrusive??? 😩 pic.twitter.com/kHvGommRdg
— Emily 🩷 (@TTnewpsie) March 19, 2024
I don’t think this kind of questions should be asked, but still a classy response from Caro pic.twitter.com/dFkXnXCn81
— Ewa (@Strzewa91) March 19, 2024
aryna is playing paula in r2, i don’t even have the capacity to understand what will both of them feel but honestly maybe the best matchup for aryna in terms of being sensitive to the situation.
— 𝓃 | ❤️ (@sabyrussoo) March 19, 2024
I’m not sure how I would feel personally tbh. There’s a part of me that would feel safe there with a close friend, another part of me that feels like I’d look across the net, be emotional and break down