Aryna Sabalenka screamed “shut the f*** up” at an Italian Open fan after being given some unsolicited advice. The World No. 1 let out her anger as she struggled in her quarter-final clash with Zheng Qinwen.
Sabalenka showed signs of frustration during the first set. However, it boiled over at the start of the second when she was told to “play tennis” by a cheeky member of the crowd. The Belarusian lost the first set 6-4 and then had her serve broken in the first game of the second set. After going 30-0 down during the second game, Sabalenka took her feelings out on the crowd.
“Come on, Aryna, play tennis!” shouted a fan. But the advice was clearly unwelcome and Sabalenka bluntly shot down the individual.
“Shut the f*** up!” she screamed in response.
Zheng, who seemed surprised by her opponent’s outburst, momentarily paused her serve while the incident played out. Sabalenka was handed a formal warning for a code violation.
Play then continued but things barely got any better for Sabalenka. Zheng went 2-0 ahead and went on to seal a 6-4 6-3 victory to advance to the Italian Open semi-finals. The 22-year-old, who has not dropped a single set so far in Rome, will face Coco Gauff in the last four.
Sabalenka had reached the final of her last four tournaments but this was one step too far. After succeeding against Gauff in the final at the Madrid Open, the 27-year-old has seemed slightly fatigued in Rome. She may benefit from the extended break before the French Open gets underway on May 25.
Meanwhile, Zheng will fancy her chances of going all the way in the Italian capital. However, she will face an in-form Gauff tomorrow. The American brushed aside Mirra Andreeva earlier today and thumped Emma Raducanu in the previous round. She is set to climb back up to World No. 2 after the tournament.
In the other semi-final, home favourite Jasmine Paolini faces Peyton Stearns.
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