(In pictures) Aryna Sabalenka controversially takes a snap of the ball mark after huge disagreement with the umpire during Stuttgart quarterfinal win

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has been in fine form this season as she made it to another final in Stuttgart.

(In pictures) Aryna Sabalenka controversially takes a snap of the ball mark after huge disagreement with the umpire during Stuttgart quarterfinal win

Aryna Sabalenka (via X)

Aryna Sabalenka has reached the semi-finals of the Stuttgart Open after a strong win over Elise Mertens. She won the match 6-4, 6-1 on Saturday. This was their 11th meeting, and Sabalenka looked in control from the start.

She had to wait longer than expected to play. Her second-round match was delayed because Anastasia Potapova withdrew. But that didn’t stop Sabalenka from showing her best tennis on Centre Court.

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The match wasn’t without drama. Sabalenka got into a heated moment with chair umpire Miriam Bley. They disagreed over a line call that Sabalenka thought was wrong.

Surprisingly, Sabalenka pulled out her phone and took a picture of the ball mark. It was a rare move from the usually calm world No. 1. She seemed upset with how the umpire handled the situation.

Aryna Sabalenka reveals reasons behind her photo of the ball mark in Stuttgart

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka spoke out after her heated exchange with the chair umpire at the 2025 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. She explained what triggered the argument during her match, where a disputed line call sparked strong emotions. The moment quickly became a major talking point of the tournament.

Aryna Sabalenka (3)
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

I felt the referee was pissed by the picture I took. When I gave her a handshake, that was a very interesting look & strong handshake.

Aryna Sabalenka said in her interview in Stuttgart

Her journey in Stuttgart was already off to an unusual start. Sabalenka was set to face Anastasia Potapova, but the match was called off when the Russian withdrew. That delay didn’t stop Sabalenka from playing strong tennis once she finally took the court.

During her match, a line call led to a tense disagreement with the umpire. Sabalenka, clearly frustrated, made her point by taking a photo of the ball mark. The incident surprised many, as she’s usually calm and collected during play.

Despite the controversy, Sabalenka’s focus didn’t fade. She pushed past the drama and showed why she’s the world No. 1. Her fighting spirit carried her into the semi-finals, where even more intensity is expected.

Aryna Sabalenka eases into the Stuttgart Open final

Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka has finally played her first match at the 2025 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix — and she made it count. After waiting through the early rounds, the World No. 1 stepped onto the court and earned a strong win.

Aryna Sabalenka (3)
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/News Aryna Sabalenka)

She faced Elise Mertens in the quarterfinals on Saturday night and won 6-4, 6-1. It was a solid performance against her former doubles partner. With that win, Sabalenka moved into the semi-finals.

Up next, she will take on Jasmine Paolini. The No. 5 seed beat Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-3 in their quarterfinal match. Sabalenka has a 4-2 lead in her head-to-head record with Paolini. Sabalenka is aiming for her fourth final in Stuttgart in the last five years. She reached the final in 2021, 2022, and 2023, but hasn’t won the title yet. This year, she’ll be hoping to change that.