Aryna Sabalenka dragged into sexism storm at Wimbledon as Maria Sharapova lets rip

Aryna Sabalenka has found herself caught in the middle of a growing controversy at Wimbledon, after tennis legend Maria Sharapova voiced strong opinions about how female players are still being treated differently than their male counterparts. The incident has sparked conversations among fans and fellow athletes, many of whom feel it’s time for major tennis tournaments to rethink some of their outdated traditions.

It all began when Sabalenka, one of the most powerful and consistent players on the tour, was questioned about certain aspects of the tournament that seemed to apply only to women. This includes the dress code and the scheduling of matches, which Sharapova pointed out often puts male players in prime-time slots while women are left playing earlier or on smaller courts.

Sharapova, who is known for speaking her mind, didn’t hold back. She said it’s frustrating to see how little things have changed since her own days on the court. She highlighted that players like Sabalenka, who are at the top of their game, deserve the same visibility and respect as any top male player. According to her, the double standards at events like Wimbledon send the wrong message — not just to fans, but to young girls who dream of going pro.

Sabalenka, for her part, handled the situation with calm and class. While she didn’t start the debate, her name is now tied to an important conversation about fairness and equality in sports. She emphasized that what matters most to her is being able to perform her best and inspire others, no matter what court she’s placed on.

Fans online have been quick to support both players. Many say they admire Sharapova for speaking up and are proud of Sabalenka for staying focused. Some believe it’s time for organizations like the All England Club to update their rules and ensure that all players are treated equally, regardless of gender.

At the heart of this storm is a simple idea: talent is talent, and respect should be given based on performance — not gender. As Wimbledon continues, it will be interesting to see how tournament organizers respond, and whether Sabalenka’s quiet strength and Sharapova’s outspoken support can help drive real change in the world of tennis.