On June 18, 2025, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka unleashed her frustration at the umpire during her second-round match against Rebeka Masarova at the Berlin Ladies Open when play was suspended due to slippery court conditions and poor light, per @TheTennisLetter. Leading 6-2 after a dominant first set, Sabalenka was incensed when Masarova’s request to halt the match was granted, arguing, “You’re stopping the match because she says that side is slippery? I just played two games on that side,” as captured in a video posted by @TennisUpToDate2. The Belarusian, visibly upset, gave a sarcastic thumbs-up to Masarova before storming off, per Yardbarker.
The decision followed Masarova’s concerns about the grass court’s dampness, exacerbated by dew and fading light after a 3-hour-21-minute prior match between Liudmila Samsonova and Jessica Pegula, per Sportstar. Sabalenka, who implied Masarova’s request was tactical due to her losing position, told the supervisor, “She’s just losing the match,” per Daily Star. Fans on X, like @realest7g, debated the call, with some noting Sabalenka’s similar request in a 2025 Madrid Open match against Marta Kostyuk, per Pro Football Network. The match resumed on June 19, with Sabalenka favored to advance, per News18.
