‘No, no, no – I didn't say that' – Wimbledon star forced to correct BBC presenter during awkward live interview on court
The world No1 overcame Laura Siegemund 4-6 6-2 6-4 in an awkward match on Centre Court.
4
Aryna Sabalenka spoke to the BBC's Lee McKenzie after the match
Credit: BBC
4
The world No1 wagged her finger in response to a question
Credit: BBC
After the contest,
Siegemund, 37, has a quirky game style that she has admitted to being "annoying" for opponents.
With this having been referenced in Sabalenka's previous press conference, McKenzie brought it up on court, claiming that she had called Siegemund's game "annoying".
But the Belarusian, 27, quickly interjected, insisting: "I didn't say that. No, no no - I didn't say that.
READ MORE ON WIMBLEDON
"They asked the question... she said that she has an annoying game."
Sabalenka then wagged her finger as she added: "I didn't say that, just to make that clear."
When McKenzie pointed out that it was in a "complimentary way" - Sabalenka went on: "It's not like it's an annoying game, it's a smart game.
"She's really making everyone work against her and going into the match against her you know that you have to work for every point.
Most read in Tennis
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
4
Laura Siegemund's game style has been described as 'annoying'
Credit: Getty
"It doesn't matter if you're a big server, a big hitter, you have to work, run and earn the win."
In her previous press conference, after being asked about Siegemund's self-proclaimed "annoying game" - Sabalenka had replied: "Well, it's tricky. Especially on the grass when all of those shots, like, it just slows down and you have to stay really low and work with your legs a lot.
Emma Raducanu OUT of Wimbledon despite brave effort against world No1 Aryna Sabalenka
"Especially on the grass it can be really tricky, her game style.
"Yeah, it's annoying. But I've been facing a lot of tricky players
" I think for me personally, the main thing is like not to over-rush and not to get frustrated by her game, and focus on myself.
"I know that if I'll be there, if I'll be focusing on myself and I'll be fighting for every point, I know that I have enough of variety, I have strong game to handle that tricky shots."
Having come through her battle with Siegemund, Sabalenka will face either Amanda Anisimova or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the semi-finals.
The No1 seed remains the favourite to win the title.
4
WIMBLEDON 2025 LIVE -
FOLLOW ALL THE LATEST SCORES AND UPDATES FROM A THRILLING FORTNIGHT AT SW19
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Rita Ora steps out in New York City wearing tiny bra and low-waisted cargos for THIRD sizzling outfit of the day
RITA Ora pulled out all the stops today when she stepped out in New York City wearing a tiny bra and low-waisted cargos for her THIRD sizzling outfit of the day. The Hot Right Now star, 33, showed off her amazing figure in a trio of sexy outfits. Advertisement 6 Rita Ora turned heads today in New York with three sexy looks Credit: Getty 6 The stunning star showed off her washboard abs in this racy outfit Credit: Getty 6 Rita opted for this look as well today Credit: The Mega Agency 6 Rita Ora is all smiles while leaving Live with Kelly & Mark Credit: The Mega Agency With her locks flowing free, Rita looked every inch the glam goddess while going about her day in the Big Apple . She was spotted wearing three different looks throughout the day. In the first outfit of the day she wore a stunning navy jacket with embroidered silver lapels and a matching mini skirt, which showed off her incredible pins. Next she was spotted looking happy and relaxed as she left the Live with Kelly & Mark show. Advertisement read more on rita ora For her interview with the daytime show she opted for a pair of tight jeans and an oversized t-shirt that was draped over her body. Later Rita oozed confidence in her third outfit, which really turned heads. Saving the best until last she wore a tiny bra top, which showed of her famously toned abs. Rita finished off the look with a pair of blue baggy trousers. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Exclusive NEW MUSIC Rita has recently returned to the music scene with her new hit single, Heat. The raunchy song revolves around having sex, and has gone down well with fans. Talking about her new summer banger, the singer told The Sun: 'I wanted to really celebrate my sexuality and the way I am as a woman. 'My last album was so different, it was about my love life and getting married. Advertisement 'But with this next lot of music I wanted it to be so carefree and back to how I was coming up in the industry. 'I wanted to celebrate everything I have become. It's not super deep, just fun.' 6 Rita sparkled in her first look of the day in New York Credit: Getty 6 The sexy ensemble showed off her incredible legs Credit: Splash Advertisement HAPPY WIFE Rita is happily She is now turning her hand to playing Cupid with her pals so they find 'the one', telling them not to only go for 'your type on paper'. After five years, a UK tour also looks to be just around the corner. Rita said: 'My favourite thing is performing live. The fact I can still say I get to do it is a blessing. I am really lucky. Advertisement 'I'm supporting Ricky Martin on tour and hopefully next year my own tour. There is a lot happening. 'I'm hitting the ground running. My time off is usually around Christmas.'
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Chelsea ratings: Joao Pedro pays back his transfer fee with two spectacular goals but Robert Sanchez is a liability
CHELSEA blew away Fluminense to book their place in the Club World Cup final, thanks to two spectacular strikes from £60m new striker Joao Pedro. The 23-year-old Brazilian scored in both halves to more than repay Chelsea's faith in him - and almost repay his transfer fee. 4 Brazilian star Joao Pedro scored twice on his first start for Chelsea Credit: Getty 4 Chelsea's new boy Joao Pedro refused to celebrate scoring against his former club Credit: Getty money by reaching Sunday's final in New Jersey with the potential of another £10m if they win it. Enzo Maresca's side now have the chance of making history against either PSG or Real Madrid . Here's how SunSport's Mark Fleming rated Chelsea's match winners. Robert Sanchez - 3 Made a howler when he was rooted to his line after 26 minutes but READ MORE IN FOOTBALL His distribution was also flaky, too often missing the target . Made a save from Eve but even that wasn't convincing. And he even managed to pick up a yellow card for time wasting. Sanchez is a liability and it seems incredible that Chelsea are continuing with him as their No1 keeper. Malo Gusto - 6 Played more as a right winger in the New Jersey heat but didn't wilt. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK As the match progressed, built up a much better understanding with Nkunku. Still has yet to score for Chelsea, and didn't look like ending that with a speculative shot from distance that sailed harmlessly wide. 4 Marc Cucurella was on his toes to clear the ball off the line Credit: AP Marc Cucurella - 8 Showed terrific anticipation to clear Hercules' shot off the line in the 26th min. Defensively solid as ever, and went close with a shot from distance after 53 mins that flew inches past the far post. Trevor Chalobah - 5 Lucky not to concede a penalty on 36 mins when VAR correctly overturned the decision to give a spot kick for handball. Looked uncomfortable in possession and often just played the simple short pass. Tosin Adarabioyo - 5 Solid at the back, and also gave nothing away in a bizarre interview during the halftime break. His distribution is limited, and only served to demonstrate how much they missed the suspended Enzo Fernandez - 6 Growing into his more advanced role but still did a thorough defensive shift. His runs into the box are becoming a key feature of this developing Chelsea team. Wonderful pass with the outside of his foot to set up Joao Pedro's second goal. Moises Caicedo - 7 Back in the team after missing the Palmeiras through suspension, and at the heart of the midfield as Blues fans have come to expect. Enjoyed a physical battle with Nonato throughout. Fizzed a long distance shot over the bar early in the second half. Pedro Neto - 8 In the form of his life right now. Was Chelsea's most attacking outlet in the first half, tormenting the Fluminense right back Guga. Unlucky to see his shot blocked by Thiago Silva just before the interval. He started to fade a little in the second half, and was replaced by Madueke. 4 Cole Palmer was subdued against Fluminense Credit: Getty Cole Palmer - 6 Very quiet first 45 from Chelsea's talisman who struggled to get on the ball. Much better second half, that included one twisting, turning run that had the fans on their feet. Also a wonderful cross field pass for Nkunku. Could have completed the game with a simple tap-in had Christopher Nkunku - 5 Seems happier in a more central role, with Gusto on the right wing but lacked any cutting edge. Should really have scored with a header late in the first half just six yards out. And had two good chances to score in the second as well that he spurned. His days as a Chelsea player look to be numbered. Joao Pedro - 9 What a game! Made his first start since his £60m move from Brighton and scored a brilliant goal from outside the box in the 18th min. And then the Brazil star pulled off an even better finish in the 55th min with a sensational strike off the underside of the bar to double the lead. However he didn't celebrate as Fluminense is one of his former clubs. Two wonder goals, and plenty of hard work before he was denied the chance to clinch a hat-trick as he was replaced by Nicolas Jackson on the hour Subs Nicolas Jackson (sub for Joao Pedro, 60mins) Given half an hour but failed to click and now looks destined to be Joao Pedro's understudy. Selfishly shot into the side netting when he should have squared the ball to Palmer in the last 10 minutes. Noni Maduke (sub for Neto, 67 mins) The right winger might be dreaming of a move to Arsenal but he still has a job to do for Chelsea. Plenty of energy as Chelsea closed out the game. Reece James (sub for Gusto, 67 mins) Brought composure and a calm head as Maresca's men saw out the final 20 minutes. Andrey Santos (sub for Fernandez, 86 mins) Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (sub for Nkunku, 86 mins)
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Fluminense 0 Chelsea 2: Sensational Pedro fires Blues into Club World Cup final
JOAO PEDRO made it look easy - but the hard part now begins for Chelsea as they prepare for the Club World Cup final. A blistering double from new striker Pedro in obscene temperatures was enough to put the fourth best Premier League side in sight of the trophy and a £97 million windfall. 2 Joao Pedro scored two stunning goals on his first Chelsea start Credit: Getty 2 He refused to celebrate against his former side Credit: Getty However, things are going to get really sticky now in sweltering New Jersey because to get their hands on the jackpot they must overcome either European champions Paris or Real Madrid . While summer kickabout, the draw has been kind to them. They have swerved the biggest teams in Europe , PSG, Juventus , Inter Milan . Instead it's been Club Tunis, Benfica , Palmeiras and then a Fluminense side with a 40-year-old centre half and a keeper who is 44. READ MORE ON CHELSEA No wonder the old boy couldn't quite stretch his creaking bones to meet the wickedly curling shot and the cannonball pile driver from Stamford Bridge's new hero which settled the score. Not that we should take anything away from Pedro who lived up to his billing on his first start for Chelsea in an hour long display that suggests he is hitting the ground running. But facing the newly crowned winners of the Champions League or the royalty of world football from Spain will be a bit different to seeing off a team from Brazil who only just avoided relegation last season. There have been wobbles all the way despite Chelsea being favourites in their games throughout. Most read in Football Club World Cup 2025 Guide SOME of the world's biggest clubs are in action at this summer's Club World Cup in the United States! Chelsea are keeping Premier League hopes alive in the big tournament which is on until the final at New Jersey's Metlife Stadium July 13. Though Manchester City have been knocked out by Saudi Pro side Al-Hilal after losing in a 4-3 thriller. INFO Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup LATEST NEWS & FEATURES Club World Cup top scorers And this was no exception. A lucky escape on a penalty shout and a shot cleared off the line before Pedro's second goal sealed victory. But Chelsea are there and now stand to pick up a handy £81.9 million for getting to the final even if that ends in ultimate defeat. Chelsea's £54M Wonderkid Estevão SNUBS Club World Cup to Say Goodbye to Palmeiras | From The Sports Desk | Sun Sport Not a bad little earner even if the players are knackered and will get only a couple of weeks off before they must start preparing for the looming Premier League season again. The money Chelsea have spent bringing in £60m Pedro, £30m Liam Delap and £48.5m Boss Enzo Maresca has taken this competition seriously like he does most things in life. For players like Cole Palmer, born and raised in wet and soggy Manchester , the summer heat must be a serious chore, bordering on unhealthy. He was one of only three English players in the starting XI for a game kicking off in mid-afternoon where it was touching 38 degrees in the sun. It'll be much the same this time next year when the real World Cup Final is staged here. Even so, the Premier League side took control of the game early on, obviously looking to get the game wrapped up before grown men started melting. An attack down the left orchestrated by Pedro Neto had Fluminense on the back foot. The Portuguese winger has hit the heights consistently this tournament - more so than any other Chelsea player with goals and assists. His ball into the box was poor though and easily met by defender Thiago Santos . But instead of clearing the danger the pass out of the area was low and straight to Chelsea's dangerous new attacker. The way Pedro picked his spot with a devilishly curling right foot shot underlined how at home he feels just a week after signing. The muted celebration symbolised what Fluminense means to Pedro, who started his career there. But yet again with the game in the palms of their hands, Chelsea went all soft. Just three minutes after taking the lead, defender And with nine minutes of the first half remaining their luck held again with a penalty call. French ref Francois Letexier pointed to the spot when Trevoh Chalobah handled a glancing header from Santos - the centre back involved in the first goal. VAR has been very much in the background for Chelsea this tournament and the first intervention by the spy in the sky saved their skins. The ref reviewed his decision on the pitchside monitor and U-turned after replays showed Chalobah keeping his left hand in a natural position close to his side as the ball cannoned off him. And from a scruffy breakout from defence Pedro sealed it for Chelsea when he was put clear through on the left by Enzo Fernandez. The Brazilian cut inside and buried a stunning rising shot in off the underside of the bar on 56 minutes before being taken off on the hour mark.
