US Open broadcaster slammed for airing ‘insensitive’ footage of Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka is the new US Open champion, but a broadcaster has come under fire for airing some ‘insensitive’ footage of her.
Sabalenka beat home favourite Jessica Pegula 7-5 7-5 to win her first Grand Slam in New York.
It is her second grand slam title of the year, following victory in Australia, and third in total as she proved herself to be the best hard-court player in the world, with few able to match her power in these conditions.
The Belarusian got over the heartbreak of losing to Coco Gauff 12 months ago.
Footage was broadcast at the time of her smashing a racket behind the scenes before calmly putting it in the bin.
The video was out of the view of the public and there was no one else around.
Judy Murray criticised the decision to publish the footage at the time and wrote on X: “This footage should never have been made public. A private moment in an empty training room after the disappointment of losing a Grand Slam final.”
This was then used during Saturday’s final at the US Open, with ESPN facing criticism for their decision to use it.
Former US Open doubles champion Paul McNamee wrote on X: “Not impressed by ESPN showing Sabalenka smashing her racquet in the gym after last year’s loss in the final… unnecessary, insensitive and as for timing? … yikes.”
Sabalenka herself was overjoyed at her victory at Flushing Meadow, her third Grand Slam title.
She said: “I am speechless right now. So many times I thought I was so close to getting the US Open title, it has always been a dream of mine and finally I have got this beautiful trophy, it means a lot.
“I remember all those tough losses in the past here. Never give up on your dream and keep trying and working hard.
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“If you sacrifice everything for a dream you are going to get it one day. I am super proud of myself.”
She also dedicated her victory to her family, adding: “Every time I see my name on that trophy, I’m so proud of myself.
“I’m proud of my family that they never gave up on my dream and that they were doing everything they could to keep me going. I had this opportunity in life so it really means a lot. It has always been my dream.”
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Behind the scenes footage this time showed her being showed with champagne in the dressing room.
She was also presented with her own custom WWE belt after clinching the crown.