“She Can’t Play” – Aryna Sabalenka’s Shocking Interview Leaves Tennis Fans and Alexandra Eala Horrified
Sabalenka’s blunt criticism of Eala’s performance — particularly her 44 unforced errors during the match at the French Open — has shocked fans. What she said changed everything!
In a moment that has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, Aryna Sabalenka’s brutally honest post-match interview at Roland Garros has stirred controversy and sparked fierce debate among fans and pundits alike. The Belarusian powerhouse, known for her intensity on court, didn’t hold back when asked about her opponent, 19-year-old Filipino rising star Alexandra Eala.
“She can’t play,” Sabalenka said bluntly. “With 44 unforced errors in a match like this, you’re not competing — you’re just handing it away.”
Her comment, which quickly went viral across social media platforms, left fans stunned and Eala visibly shaken during her own press appearance. For many, the remarks were not just unexpected but uncharacteristically harsh, particularly given Eala’s age and inexperience on the Grand Slam stage.
Sabalenka, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, had just secured a straight-sets win over Eala in the second round of the French Open. While her performance on the court was dominant, it was her words off the court that stole the headlines.
Within hours, #StandWithEala began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with tennis fans and fellow athletes voicing their support for the young Filipina. Former players like Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King chimed in, criticising Sabalenka for what they called “unsportsmanlike conduct”.
One user wrote, “You can win with grace. Sabalenka’s comments were unnecessary and damaging — especially for a teenager finding her feet in the sport.”
Others defended Sabalenka’s right to speak her mind, with some pointing out that the professional tennis circuit is fiercely competitive and not always a place for sugar-coated sentiments.
The match was meant to be a learning opportunity for Eala, a former junior Grand Slam champion tipped as one of Asia’s brightest tennis prospects. But now, her post-match debrief has become a global talking point.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Eala responded with composure far beyond her years: “Everyone has a right to their opinion. I’ll take this as motivation to work harder and prove that I belong here.”
Her dignified response has only earned her more admiration, with many fans rallying behind her and praising her maturity under pressure.
This incident has reignited conversations about respect, sportsmanship, and the mental toll of elite-level competition — particularly on young athletes. With the WTA increasingly spotlighting issues of athlete wellbeing, Sabalenka’s remarks may mark a turning point in how players handle post-match commentary.
Whether you side with Sabalenka’s candid honesty or stand behind Eala’s quiet resilience, one thing is certain: this clash of generations and styles has made one of the biggest headlines of the 2025 French Open so far.
