Review: Plenty to be excited about in TopSpin 2K25, which successfully recreates the joy (and frustration) of tennis

In a self-described “Barbie” moment, the former No. 1 attempted to explain an audible obscenity warning she received against Emma Raducanu…with more obscenities.

ByDavid Kane

Published Mar 12, 2024

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—Aryna Sabalenka was able to find humor in her frustration after a straight-set win over Emma Raducanu at the BNP Paribas Open on Monday, explaining an audible obscenity as only the two-time Australian Open champion would: with more obscenities!

Asked about a post-match conversation she had with chair umpire Cecilia Alberti, Sabalenka confirmed it was about the code violation she received in the second set.

“I just told her, like, ‘Come on, you could just avoid that warning. It wasn't that bad.’ Yes, there was, like, one specific word, but it wasn't, like, I didn't forward it to her.

“I was just, like you're pissed and you're just, ‘Fuck this shit,’ she added with a laugh. “I was just, like, ‘Come on. You could have, like, ignored that.’”

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Sabalenka wore a striking pink hoodie to press after a tense third-round clash with Emma Raducanu at the BNP Paribas Open.

Amid chuckles from the journalists in her press conference, Sabalenka continued in a stage whisper:

“Did I really say that, ‘Fuck this shit?’ I did it again. Well, ‘Fuck this shit!’ Oh, my God. I mean, someone has to be stupid. I take this role. I'm a Barbie.”

Given that the 2023 Barbie film was only PG-13, it’s doubtful Margot Robbie’s eponymous character shares Sabalenka’s colorful vocabulary—though she may covet the former No. 1’s pink Nike gear.

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