Just days after Carlos Alcaraz’s heated dispute with an umpire over a water bottle at the Cincinnati Open, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka encountered her own unusual umpire request during her quarterfinal match against Elena Rybakina on August 15, 2025. The incident, which echoed Alcaraz’s clash, involved Sabalenka being asked to remove a San Pellegrino label from her water bottle due to a conflict with the tournament’s drink sponsor. The request, captured on Sky Sports, occurred during a changeover while Rybakina led 6-1, 3-2, adding an odd twist to an already intense match.
As Sabalenka reached for her drink, the umpire called for tape over her walkie-talkie to cover the San Pellegrino branding. Initially confused, Sabalenka asked, “Say it again?” The umpire clarified, “Aryna, can I just ask you to take [the label] off that bottle? Perfect, thank you, we’re good, that’s fine.” Sabalenka complied, ripping off the label and continuing to drink from the translucent green bottle. Sky Sports commentator Jonathan Overend noted the similarity to Alcaraz’s earlier incident, exclaiming, “Oh, it’s the same thing that happened in the Alcaraz match! Can’t have unofficial water. Bizarre situation.” Alcaraz had defiantly refused to cover his Evian bottle’s logo, risking a fine.
The episode sparked varied reactions. Some fans on X found it amusing, with one posting, “Aryna casually peeling off the label like it’s no big deal, unlike Alcaraz’s drama” (@TennisVibes, August 15, 2025). Others criticized the rule’s enforcement, noting, “These sponsor rules are getting ridiculous. Let players hydrate in peace” (@SportsFanatic, August 15, 2025). Sabalenka’s compliance contrasted with Alcaraz’s defiance, though both incidents highlight the growing tension between player sponsorships and tournament regulations.
Despite the distraction, Sabalenka’s performance remained strong, though she ultimately lost to Rybakina. The Belarusian, fresh off a Miami title and Stuttgart final in 2025, is preparing for her US Open singles title defense but recently withdrew from the mixed doubles event due to her partner Grigor Dimitrov’s hospitalization. The Cincinnati incident adds to her eventful season, which includes a controversial ball mark photo in Stuttgart and a rain-related dispute in Madrid.
This situation mirrors strategic choices by athletes like Emma Raducanu, who withdrew from the US Open due to injuries, or Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin prioritizing the Davis Cup. Sabalenka’s handling of the umpire’s request reflects her ability to stay composed under pressure, a trait that will serve her well at Flushing Meadows as she navigates both on-court challenges and off-court distractions.
