In an emotional moment at the Madrid Open, world number 2 Aryna Sabalenka stunned everyone by consoling her opponent, Anna Blinkova, after defeating her in an intense second-round match. Sabalenka prevailed 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3 in a match that lasted more than two and a half hours, but what truly defined the day were the Belarusian’s final words.
After the final point, Sabalenka approached the net for the traditional greeting and, according to witnesses, told Blinkova: “I’m sorry, you’re really amazing.” These five words, full of empathy and respect, deeply touched the Russian tennis player, who couldn’t hold back her tears and immediately burst into tears. Blinkova, visibly affected by both the defeat and her opponent’s unexpected kindness, left the stands of the Caja Mágica bewildered, with many fans murmuring among themselves, trying to understand what had provoked such a reaction.
Sabalenka, known for her intensity on the court, showed a more human and compassionate side. In the post-match interview, the Belarusian explained her gesture: “I know how hard it is to lose such a close match, and Anna played incredibly well today. I wanted to encourage her because she’s a great player, and I know she has a great future ahead of her. Sometimes, a kind word can mean a lot.” However, her act of kindness surprised many, as it’s unusual to see such an emotional reaction in such a competitive setting.
Blinkova, for her part, did not immediately comment after the match, but her team confirmed that the 26-year-old was overcome with emotions: frustration at the defeat and gratitude toward Sabalenka for her gesture. This meeting was the second between the two, with Sabalenka now leading 2-0, following a previous victory at the 2024 Australian Open.
The initially confused crowd eventually applauded both players for the sporting spectacle and the moment of human connection they witnessed. Sabalenka will now advance to the third round, where she will face the winner of the duel between Elena Rybakina and Lucia Bronzetti. Meanwhile, fans continue to debate on social media the emotional impact of Sabalenka’s words, highlighting how tennis is not only a sport of competition, but also one of respect and empathy.
