Elena Rybakina doesn't want to get into a war of words with Aryna Sabalenka or anything like that as the Kazakh tennis star insisted that she "did not take personally" what looked like an insult from the Belarusian's side.
After Rybaina defeated Sabalenka 6-3 7-6 (0) in the WTA Finals final, a video surfaced showing the world No. 1 crying and allegedly insulting her rival in her native language.
"Once a year even a stick shoots," the four-time Grand Slam champion reportedly shouted in the direction of her team after the Riyadh final loss.
Sabalenka's message was perceived as a suggestion that Rybakina - who played extremely well that day - was lucky. Now, in an interview with a Kazakh publication, the world No. 5 was asked to address it.
Rybakina: I heard about what was said... I don't take it to heart even if it was directed at me
"They told me after the match, but it was in context. We've played with Aryna many times, and more than once this year, so I don't really focus on it. I have good feelings for both Aryna and her team, so I don't take it to heart, even if it was actually said to me," the 26-year-old told Kazakh publication TengriNews.
Rybakina claimed the first break of the match in the sixth game and saved a total of three break points across two separate games to take the first set. In the second set, the Kazakh saved two consecutive set points on her serve in the 10th game before completely dominating the tie-break and winning it without a 7-0 scoreline.
It was Rybakina's sixth win in 14 meetings against Sabalenka. Also, it was the first WTA Finals title for the Kazakh tennis star.
