Tennis is a gentleman’s sport, where players and even the crowd are expected to follow certain etiquette. Trash-talking your opponent on the court is highly frowned upon, even if it is an integral part of other sports. However, tennis stars Aryna Sabalenka and Taylor Fritz are firmly in favor of it.
There are conflicting views on this subject. Some players, like Sabalenka and Fritz, think it could be good for the game, while others beg to differ.
Aryna and Taylor both feature in the Netflix documentary series ‘Break Point’, which follows the lives of players as they swing for glory. The two had reunited recently for the show. They discussed a number of topics when the issue of Trash-talking was brought up. The duo weighed in on the pros of trash-talking in competitive matches and why it could be good for the sport.
Like Sabalenka and Taylor, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are also in favor of it. Gauff thinks that fans would be on board with this idea. Her doubles partner Jessica, revealed that it has been happening on the tour already. But on the downside, women can get too personal, Pegula thinks.
However, the general consensus among all in favor of it, is that no one should cross boundaries while trash-talking. If done tactfully, it could be very entertaining for the audience. Fritz stated that it must be real. “It’s not bad for like the entertainment aspect of the sport, but it has to be real,” said Fritz (Via Yardbarker).
Sabalenka concurred with Fritz that it should be natural and done with respect. The big-hitting Belarussian is one of the top contenders to win the US Open this year. She also has the golden opportunity to grab the top spot at the US Open.
Aryna Sabalenka has the perfect opportunity to become the world number one
The top spot is in play for the third consecutive slam this year. Iga Swiatek is the current world number one in the WTA. The Pole has remained at the top for 73 weeks already, and by the time the US Open ends, it will be 75 weeks. However, Iga’s streak may be in peril, if Sabalenka outlasts her at the tournament.
Sabalenka has been breathing down Swiatek’s neck for the top spot for a few months now. The current world number 2 has come very close to dethroning Swiatek in the past.
Sabalenka let the opportunity slip past her fingers at Wimbledon. Aryna was only two games away from becoming the top-ranked player before she lost to Ons Jabeur in the semifinal.
Sabalenka, however, revealed that it is not something she thinks of. She stated that she has been working on improving her game, so she can play her best during matches. Both Swiatek and Sabalenka have an amazing rivalry on the court.
Aryna Sabalenka will play against Maryna Zanevska of Belgium in the first round at the Flushing Meadows. The US Open begins on August 28th.