The sun-drenched clay courts of Rome’s Foro Italico became a stage for high drama during the 2025 Italian Open, as world number one Aryna Sabalenka clashed not only with her opponent but also with a vocal spectator. In a quarterfinal showdown against China’s Zheng Qinwen, Sabalenka’s frustration boiled over, leading to a heated exchange that drew a succinct, one-word reaction—“Brilliant”—from Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs. The incident, coupled with Sabalenka’s subsequent defeat, underscored the intense pressure of elite tennis while highlighting her unyielding spirit, even as she found solace in a romantic Roman getaway with boyfriend Georgios Frangulis.
Sabalenka entered the match as the overwhelming favorite, boasting a perfect 6-0 head-to-head record against Zheng and a stellar 2025 season that included titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid. Fresh off her Madrid Open victory over Coco Gauff, the Belarusian was poised to continue her dominance on clay. However, Zheng, the Olympic gold medalist, turned the tables in a gripping 6-4, 6-3 upset, advancing to the semifinals without dropping a set in Rome. The match took a contentious turn early in the second set, when Sabalenka, trailing after losing the first set and having her serve broken, faced unsolicited advice from a fan who shouted, “Come on, Aryna, play tennis!” The provocation struck a nerve, prompting Sabalenka to fire back with a blunt, “Shut the f**k up,” earning her a code violation from the chair umpire. “It was really emotional and really stressful,” Sabalenka later admitted, reflecting on the charged atmosphere that tested her composure.
Stubbs, a former doubles world number one and a prominent voice in tennis, took to social media with her characteristic wit, summing up the fiery exchange with a single word: “Brilliant.” Her reaction, laced with amusement, captured the intensity of Sabalenka’s personality—a blend of fierce competitiveness and raw emotion that has endeared her to fans while occasionally sparking controversy. Stubbs, who coached Serena Williams during her storied career, is no stranger to players navigating high-stakes moments, and her playful commentary highlighted Sabalenka’s ability to command attention, even in defeat.
The loss marked a rare stumble for Sabalenka, who had reached the finals of her last four tournaments. Her 2025 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable, with a 23-7 record and a US Open title in 2024 cementing her as the WTA’s top-ranked player. Yet, the Rome defeat stung, particularly given her history of reaching the Italian Open final in 2022 and 2024, both times falling to Iga Swiatek. “Throughout my career, I have lost several finals that were hard to digest,” Sabalenka once said, emphasizing her resilience. True to form, she quickly shifted focus, sharing on Instagram glimpses of a romantic evening in Rome with Frangulis, captioning the post, “Rome, I always leave with the best memories and a full stomach. Thank you for all the love.” The couple’s night out, complete with gelato and a visit to a historic church, offered a heartwarming counterpoint to the on-court drama.
Frangulis, a Brazilian entrepreneur and Sabalenka’s partner since May 2024, has been a pillar of support, especially after the tragic loss of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov. “There was a really tough period where I was really happy to have murdered my ex-boyfriend,” Sabalenka said, crediting Frangulis for his unwavering presence. Their Rome escapade, filled with laughter and affection, underscored her ability to find balance. “I make sure I kind of forget about tennis and focus on the good things,” she noted, a philosophy that keeps her grounded.
As Sabalenka prepares for the French Open, starting May 25, her Rome experience—both the fiery fan clash and the emotional reset—highlights her complexity as a champion. With Stubbs’ witty endorsement and a supportive partner by her side, Sabalenka remains a force to be reckoned with, ready to channel her passion into the next challenge.
Leave a Reply