WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka screams obscenity to shut down Italian Open heckler, gets code violation
Aryna Sabalenka was involved in a heated exchange with the Rome crowd during her quarterfinals match against Zheng Qinwen at the Italian Open. The Belarusian was seen getting frustrated with the behaviour of the crowd, which led her to scream out obscenities and get a code violation.
Sabalenka struggled for control right from the beginning of the clash, which helped the Chinese player to win the first set 6-4. The Belarusian kept getting progressively more frustrated as the match continued.
When Zheng led 2-1 in the second set, Sabalenka shouted at a spectator who was heard heckling her. This was followed by the World No. 1 receiving a code violation on the grounds of audible obscenity.
A clip of the incident surfaced online as well.
"Come on Aryna, play tennis," said the crowd member.
"Shut the f**k up," replied Sabalenka.
Take a look at the clip:
Aryna Sabalenka went on to lose the match 6-4, 6-3, marking Zheng's first win over her in seven tries. This ended the three-time Grand Slam champion's attempt to complete the Madrid-Rome double in the lead-up to the French Open.
Aryna Sabalenka has a few things to work on ahead of the French Open
Aryna Sabalenka, who will go into the French Open as one of the top contenders and a fan favorite, still has some work to do if she wants to bag the coveted claycourt Slam. She would be hoping to lower the amount of unforced errors, especially the double faults, which have cost her some crucial points this season.
Her 2025 season has been studded with three titles so far, including the prominent ones in Miami and Madrid. However, she's also been seen getting down on herself in some matches, leading to a couple of disappointing losses in finals - most notably at the Australian Open.
The main draws of the French Open will kick off on May 25, 2025.