Aryna Sabalenka Responds to Critics Over Social Media Use Amid Topsy-Turvy Season: “I Don’t Give a Single Heck”

Aryna Sabalenka has made it clear that she pays no heed whatsoever to people judging her for her social media use. Sabalenka is one of those players who is pretty active on these platforms, particularly on TikTok.

But because she has experienced a slump in form this season, many have blamed it on her social media use. This is not the first time the Belarusian ace has spoken about her online activities. She has admitted that social media sometimes helps her forget about tennis, but that doesn’t mean it’s taking her entire focus away.

It’s okay. I feel like people judge others based on their own feelings. It has nothing to do with us. If they think that they wouldn’t be able to do that, it doesn’t mean that we cannot do it. For me, it has nothing to do with social media. People think that, like, ‘Okay, she’s on social media, she doesn’t practice.’ In reality, you spend there, I don’t know, 30 minutes a day.

Aryna Sabalenka said at the pre-tournament press conference in Beijing

At the China Open, Sabalenka will be chasing her first title since completing the Sunshine Double in Miami. It was her third title of the season after wins in Indian Wells and Brisbane. Sabalenka also played the finals of the Australian Open and the US Open, losing both to Elena Rybakina. She lost her No.1 ranking to the Kazakh ace after her defeat in the New York Major.

I don’t see how it can be distracting. If you love it, if you have fun with it, if you want to share yourself on social media, you have to do it. I’m at that stage we’re like people are going to judge you either way. She’s active, or she’s not active. She’s like that and that. It’s like you’re never good enough for people. I feel like, why would I even care about them? I don’t give a single heck.

Aryna Sabalenka added

The WTA 1000 China Open kicked off on September 30. Sabalenka, the second seed, will lock horns with Renata Zarazua or Anna Bondar in the opening round.

Aryna Sabalenka on her mindset for the Asian swing

Aryna Sabalenka is physically and mentally ready to compete at the China Open. As mentioned before, she struggled to find form in the middle of the season but finally rediscovered it during the US Open.

At the US Open, it was kind of like the moment when I start to felt healthier and stronger. So I really enjoyed playing tennis. I got back to my mindset.

Aryna Sabalenka said at the pre-tournament press conference in Beijing

Sabalenka will end a season without a Major for the first time since 2022. At the French Open and Wimbledon, she crashed out after reaching the quarterfinals and the fourth round, respectively. The last time she won a Major was at the US Open last year by defeating Amanda Anisimova.

It’s Anisimova who is the reigning champion in Beijing, but she has ended her season due to a wrist injury. Elena Rybakina will compete as the first seed and chase her fourth title of the season after wins in Melbourne, New York, and Stuttgart.

Sabalenka has so far won 11 WTA 1000 titles. At the China Open, she is a three-time quarterfinalist, also reaching the stage last year. After the China Open, she will play the Wuhan Open, where she is a three-time champion (winning in her first three appearances). She lost in the semifinals last year.

Also read: Novak Djokovic Reveals Reason Behind Decision to Play China Open After 11 Years: “History of My Results Has Been Incredible”