Aryna Sabalenka on Roland Garros outburst: 'It’s painful to be judged for a moment'

Even two months on from the event, Sabalenka feels she is still making up for her comments following her loss to Coco Gauff in the French Open final, which many interpreted as dismissive of the American's victory.

The backlash was fierce, prompting an apology from Sabalenka to Gauff, but even as she turns her attention to the Cincinnati Open, Sabalenka said she is still being judged for that moment.

"There are people who don't understand the intensity we bring to competition," she said. "I went to the press very angry with myself and frustrated with the result. It's painful to see how, in the moment when you say something without thinking clearly, everyone judges you and completely forgets who you are and what you've done before.

"I was overexcited and made a complete mistake. It was hard to explain, but I've learned a lot from what happened; I think people can understand me better now. I'd like to think people realise that on the court I can scream and be very focused on achieving my goals, but that I'm also a fun, friendly, and easy-going girl who enjoys other things in life."

After losing in the Wimbledon semi-finals, Sabalenka opted to skip the National Bank Open in Montreal, making the upcoming Cincinnati tournament her first on the hard court ahead of the US Open.

Speaking of the break, Sabalenka said she felt she needed it to mentally refresh.

"The season has been really intense; it's impossible to be at my best every week. I realised after Wimbledon that I needed a break, and it's been great to do so," the 27-year-old said. "Now I feel much fresher physically and mentally.

"I decided not to play in Canada because I consider it very important to manage the available energy as best as possible. The season is long and exhausting and now a key stretch for me arrives.

"I am defending the title in New York and I love approaching a Grand Slam in that way. I just hope that all the lessons I have learned from the last few Grand Slam tournaments will help me reach my maximum level."

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