Aryna Sabalenka has been speaking about what happened after her match against Elina Svitolina, after what appeared to be an X-rated comment was picked up by fans.
On Thursday, Sabalenka sailed through to the final of the 2026 Australian Open as she beat Ukrainian star Svitolina 6-2, 6-3, in front of a packed crowd inside the Rod Laver Arena.
The world number one will now take on Elena Rybakina in the final, after the Kazakhstani dispatched American Jessica Pegula 6-2, 7-6 (9-7).
After the match between Sabalenka and Svitolina, there was no handshake between the two players, with the latter maintaining her stance on not taking part in the traditional gesture with Russian and Belarusian players.
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The Ukrainian has made her position clear ever since her country was first attacked.
On social media, a clip of Sabalenka went viral, with some fans accusing her of saying 'F*** You' after the final point of the match.
During her press conference, although she didn't address the exact moment picked up by fans, Sabalenka was asked if she said anything towards Svitolina when walking towards the net.
She replied: "About Elina, I felt I didn't have the opportunity to even like say great job and I have it now.
"So, great job, great match, great player and amazing tournament. She played incredible."
The reporter then asked: "You didn't say anything after you won match point?"
In response, Sabalenka said: "No, no, no. I didn't. I just said thank you to the referee, and that's it."
During her on-court interview, Sabalenka was also full of praise for Svitolina.
She said: "I’m super happy with the win, she is such a tough opponent and has been playing really incredible tennis throughout the whole week and I’m super happy to be through this tough match.
"I’ve been watching her game, against Mirra [Andreeva], Coco [Gauff], and I felt like I had to step in and put as much pressure as I good back onto her. I’m glad the level was there and I played great tennis."
Topics: Tennis, Australian Open
Marcus Chan