Sabalenka Takes Photo of Disputed Ball Mark During Stuttgart Quarter-Final Win

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka captured attention in Stuttgart by snapping a photo of a disputed ball mark mid-match against Elise Mertens. Despite receiving a warning, she bounced back to win in straight sets and reach the semi-finals.

Home-Made Hawk-Eye? Sabalenka Snaps Ball Mark in Stuttgart Drama
World No.1 overcomes mid-match dispute and advances to semi-finals

Aryna Sabalenka sparked headlines at the Stuttgart Open after taking a photo of a disputed ball mark during her quarter-final match against Elise Mertens. The incident occurred while Sabalenka trailed 4-3 in the first set and was facing break point.

Disagreeing with an “out” call, Sabalenka asked chair umpire Miriam Bley to inspect the mark. She then walked over to see it herself and photographed it using a phone handed over by a member of her team. The move resulted in a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct from Bley.

Despite the controversy, Sabalenka quickly regained composure. She broke back immediately and went on to defeat Mertens 6-4, 6-1, booking a place in the semi-finals.

Reflecting on the incident during her on-court interview, Sabalenka commented on her post-match handshake with Bley: “When I gave her a handshake, there was a very interesting look and a very strong handshake. Never had it before.” When asked if she returned the strong grip, Sabalenka added, “No, it’s OK. Why would I play this game with someone like her? It’s OK.”

Sabalenka, a three-time Stuttgart runner-up, will face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini for a place in Monday’s final. Paolini earlier defeated Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-3.

Ostapenko Extends Dominance Over Swiatek with Clay Win
Latvian star reaches Stuttgart semi-finals with sixth straight win over Pole

In another key Stuttgart quarter-final, Jelena Ostapenko extended her perfect record against world No.2 Iga Swiatek, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. The victory marked Ostapenko’s sixth career win over Swiatek and her first over the Pole on clay, making her the first player to beat Swiatek on all three surfaces.

Swiatek, a two-time Stuttgart champion, came into the match with an 11-1 tournament record but struggled to counter Ostapenko’s flat, powerful groundstrokes. The Latvian struck 29 winners compared to Swiatek’s 17 and broke serve three times in the opening set.

Although Swiatek found rhythm in the second set, Ostapenko raced ahead in the decider, winning 12 of the first 15 points to seize control. Swiatek’s eighth double fault and a long forehand sealed her fate.

“She’s a great clay-court player, but I won the French Open as well, so I can say the same thing about myself,” said Ostapenko, referencing her 2017 Roland Garros title. “I have so much respect to her and her team, but every time I step on the court with her, it’s a battle and I’m ready for it.”

Ostapenko advances to face Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in the semi-finals. Alexandrova upset third seed Jessica Pegula 6-0, 6-4.