'Prize money of a staggering 73.3 billion won → sudden boycott declaration' Women's strongest player reveals heartbreaking story: "When my ex-boyfriend suddenly passed away..."

*This content was translated by AI.

World No. 1 women's tennis player Aryna Sabalenka (28, Belarus) recently expressed her firm stance amid the criticism directed at her. She also calmly shared the tragedy and sorrow of losing both her former partner and her father.

The British outlet 'Daily Mail' focused on the 19th (Korean time), reporting that "Sabalenka has recently opened up about her honest feelings regarding her recent actions."

According to local reports, Sabalenka has frequently been in the news recently for losing her composure during matches. In October last year at the Wuhan Open, she sparked controversy by tossing her racket toward a ball kid, and earlier this year during the Miami Open final, she shouted "Shut up" at spectators who were booing her.

However, Sabalenka made it clear that she has no intention of changing her temperament. Sabalenka stated, "In the past, I couldn't control my emotions at all, which sometimes ruined matches, and I knew there was a problem with myself," but added, "Now I understand that throwing rackets or shouting is a necessary process to empty my mind and refocus on the match. It may sometimes look ugly and terrible, but it is unavoidable for a player who craves victory to maintain her mental state."

At the same time, Sabalenka revealed a heartbreaking family history. In March 2024, just before the Miami Open, Sabalenka experienced the tragedy of her former partner and former ice hockey player, Konstantin Koltsow, falling to his death. At the time, Sabalenka, who was training nearby, was told the news by police who came to the court and struggled to accept reality. Immediately after the tragedy, Sabalenka, who faced criticism from those around her for competing in the tournament, confessed, "There is no right way to cope with grief. For me, the only way was to immediately return to the court and immerse myself in work."

Regarding her father's death when she was young, she said, "They say time is a healer, but thinking of my father, who would have been happy to see my success, makes things even harder these days. Even now, I lie in bed watching videos of other players' families and imagine what it would have been like if my father were still alive, and I cry like a madman," showing tears.

Sabalenka has long been a player who strongly advocates for the rights of tennis players. Recently, when the prize money increase at the French Open failed to meet expectations, she expressed dissatisfaction with the revenue and prize money distribution methods of major tournaments, even hinting at the possibility of a boycott by female players. At that time, Sabalenka raised her voice, saying, "Today's female players can unite and make their voices heard sufficiently," and added, "Players create the show. Without players, there can be no tournaments or entertainment. The top 10 players are arguing that about 22% of tournament revenue should go to the players."

However, reactions from fellow players to Sabalenka's boycott stance were divided. Coco Gauff expressed her support, saying, "If everyone unites with one mind, I would 100% join," while Elena Rybakina also stated she would follow the majority decision. On the other hand, Iga Swiatek offered a cautious response, saying, "A boycott is somewhat extreme. It is more important to communicate appropriately with the association," and Emma Raducanu drew a line, stating, "Major tournaments have value beyond money. I will not participate in the boycott."

However, some have criticized Sabalenka, who has focused on providing entertainment for fans, such as dancing to the song 'Macarena' during the vocal match event with male player Nick Kyrgios, as prioritizing showmanship and prize money earnings over serious competition. It is reported that Sabalenka has accumulated career prize money totaling 36.3 million pounds (approximately 73.3 billion won).

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*This content was translated by AI.