Aryna Sabalenka shares Jelena Ostapenko theory | Sports News

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka acknowledged that Jelena Ostapenko battles to control her mood after commenting on her explosive confrontation with Taylor Townsend on the US Open.

On Wednesday, Townsend pulled off a outstanding comeback to defeat Ostapenko and progress to the third spherical, claiming 9 consecutive video games after being down 5-3 within the opening set. After the match concluded, Ostapenko approached Townsend and reportedly advised her she had no class or schooling.

Ostapenko insisted that Townsend displayed disrespect all through the match, however her rival known as the scenario “comical” and challenged her capability to deal with shedding. Sabalenka was questioned concerning the confrontation and revealed she had spoken with Ostapenko privately.

Following her straight-sets victory over Polina Kudermetova to advance to the third spherical, journalists requested Sabalenka whether or not she had witnessed the altercation between Townsend and Ostapenko. “I actually spoke to Jelena after the match,” she revealed.

“During our conversation, I didn’t know what happened. Well, I have to say that she’s nice. You know, she just sometimes can lose control.

“She has some issues in life to face and a few struggles. I used to be simply making an attempt to help her to, I do not know, possibly, I do not know, simply — not, like, face it more in (a) mature means, however I used to be simply making an attempt to help her to settle down and sort of, like — simply was somebody she might converse to and simply let it go.

“You know, I think she just sometimes can just lose control over her emotions, which pretty tough. I really hope that one day she will figure herself (out) and she will handle it much better.”

Ostapenko grew annoyed after alleging Townsend did not apologize when she secured a level following a fortunate internet wire. The Latvian was additionally irritated by her opponent’s habits during warm-ups, although Townsend rejected any misconduct claims.

Townsend additionally dismissed any accusations of racism after Ostapenko was compelled to defend herself on social media amid extreme criticism. While Ostapenko pledged to bounce back stronger, Sabalenka hinted that she is perhaps grappling with difficulties away from tennis.

When questioned whether or not Ostapenko might be coping with personal issues, Sabalenka responded: “I think so, yeah. You know, sometimes when you struggle with some things in life, it of course, can reflect your tennis career, and on court you’re more unstable, and you can lose control.

“You simply do not perceive what is going on on within the second. Then for sure, I’m fairly sure, wanting back, she’s not glad together with her habits.”