Elena Rybakina breaks silence on controversial comments from Aryna Sabalenka after WTA Finals

Elena Rybakina has shared her thoughts about Aryna Sabalenka’s controversial remarks following their WTA Finals championship match. The Kazakh star said she tries not to pay attention to such comments and prefers to stay focused on her own game.

Rybakina and Sabalenka reached the year-end championships final without facing a loss. Qualifying from separate groups, they won all their round-robin matches and needed three sets to beat their opponents in the semifinals.

In the final, Rybakina stunned the World No. 1 with a 6-3, 7-6 win, claiming her maiden WTA Finals title. After the match, a video was shared on social media where Sabalenka allegedly said:

"Once a year even a stick shoots" (in her native language).

The Belarusian faced backlash from fans for these comments. However, in a recent interview with Tengrinews, Rybakina downplayed the remarks when asked about it.

"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," Elena Rybakina said.

Sabalenka's lead over Rybakina in their head-to-head has now been cut down to 8-6. In 2025, the pair faced off four times, splitting the spoils evenly.

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"Aryna Sabalenka has been showing very good results the last two seasons" - Elena Rybakina's answer in a social media trend

Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina at the WTA Finals 2025 - Source: Getty

During the same interview, Elena Rybakina was asked to take part in a viral social-media trend where athletes "stay silent until they hear someone better than themselves."

The reporter began listing names, starting with Jasmine Paolini and Mirra Andreeva, both of whom Rybakina met with silence. But when Maria Sharapova’s name came up, she immediately acknowledged the former world No. 1.

"Sharapova, yes!" Rybakina said. "At the very least, the number of Grand Slams she's won," she justified.

When asked whether Iga Swiatek belonged in that group, Rybakina agreed without hesitation.

"Yes, including Iga. We compete every time, but statistically speaking, I realize Iga is definitely better in terms of consistency," the Kazakh said.

The reporter then brought up Aryna Sabalenka and Serena Williams. Rybakina again acknowledged their caliber.

"I definitely wouldn’t keep quiet. Serena is also a legend here. Aryna has been showing very good results the last two seasons, so… Of course, Iga and Aryna are still my rivals, but overall, the results they’ve achieved are really great," she said.

Rybakina won three singles titles in 2025. She held a record of 59-19 to conclude one of her best seasons on the WTA Tour.