A new storm has shaken the world of tennis and, this time, it is not a party or an injury, but an unexpected crossing of statements that has set fire to social networks. The protagonist: Aryna Sabalenka, current number one of the women’s world ranking. The other face of the currency: Emma Raducanu, champion of the US Open 2021, and Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish phenomenon who did not hesitate to go out in defense of the British with a phrase that is already a global trend.
It all started with an Instagram story published by Sabalenka in the early hours of Monday, hours after his surprising elimination in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. In a visibly annoying tone, the Belarusa wrote:
“Winning a Grand Slam with so little experience is not merit, it’s luck. And if you also have the ATP and referees in your favor, it’s even easier. Let’s not fool ourselves: Raducanu has not demonstrated anything.”
The reaction was immediate. Although the publication was eliminated minutes later, screenshots began to circulate on Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok, generating a wave of comments both for and against the player. Many criticized their lack of sportsmanship, while others pointed out that he was simply expressing an opinion.
But the moment that really marked a before and after was the unexpected intervention of Carlos Alcaraz.
The young Murcian, who has been characterized by his elegance both on and off the court, did not remain silent to what he considered an unfair and free attack. Through his official X account (formerly Twitter), Alcaraz wrote only nine words, not directly mentioning Sabalenka, but making his position clear:
“Luck does not win tournaments. Talent, it does.”
The answer was brief, direct and devastating. In less than an hour, the tweet exceeded 100,000 likes and was shared by tennis figures, sports journalists and fans around the world. Among the comments, messages such as:“Class and truth in one sentence”, “Alcaraz, MVP of tennis and common sense”, y“Thus defends a partner without insults.”
Emma Raducanu, meanwhile, did not respond directly to Sabalenka. But hours later he published a photo of his training, with the description:
“Let them talk. I keep working.”
(“To speak. I’m still working.”)
In Wimbledon’s halls, the tension was evident. According to sources close to the tournament, Sabalenka refused to give statements on the subject during his last press conference and left the room visibly annoying when asked about Alcaraz’s comment.
Meanwhile, players like Ons Jabeur, Casper Ruud and Coco Gauff have given “like” the message of Spanish, played by many as a sample of tacit support to Raducanu.
The ATP and the WTA have not yet issued official communications about the incident, but the specialized media already speak of a possible “disciplinary file” by the WTA to Sabalenka, considering that their statements can be considered unsportsmanlike and harmful to the image of the circuit.
Beyond sanctions, the truth is that this episode has made it clear that respect between colleagues remains a line that should not cross. While Sabalenka remains in the center of the controversy, Alcaraz has once again demonstrated why he is considered not only a promise of tennis, but also an example of maturity and elegance in a sport where pressure and competitiveness usually get the worst – or the best – of the athletes.
And for millions of fans who still remember the fairy tale that was the title of Raducanu in the US Open, it is clear that what that 18 -year -old adolescent won was not luck: it was pure history.
Thus, in just nine words, Carlos Alcaraz put an end to a controversy … and returned to tennis a little of that nobility that sometimes seems forgotten.
