"I didn't pay attention to it": Rybakina's elegant reply after Sabalenka's controversial saying
After the final, Sabalenka uttered a Russian saying that sparked reactions from fans. Rybakina explains today that she didn't give importance to that remark, despite the tension of the moment.
le 24/11/2025 à 14h35
Elena Rybakina ended her 2025 season on a high note, winning the WTA Finals for the first time in her career against world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
Right after the match point, Sabalenka, in the heat of frustration, uttered a controversial Russian saying: "Once a year, even a stick shoots," meaning that someone who isn't skilled enough for something can still get lucky once in a while.
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A phrase to which Rybakina responded today for the Kazakhstani media Tengrinews:
"I was told about it after the match, but it was in the heat of the moment. I've played many times against Aryna and more than once this year, so I didn't really pay attention to it. I'm not taking it personally, even though it was directed at me personally."
Madrid 
