Maria Sharapova calls on Wall Street Journal to “do better” after Aryna Sabalenka headline

Tennis legend Maria Sharapova has spoken out, and this time it’s not about winning Grand Slams or launching a new product. Instead, she’s calling for better journalism—and she’s aiming her words at none other than The Wall Street Journal.

It all started when the Wall Street Journal posted an article with a headline about current tennis star Aryna Sabalenka. The headline, according to many—including Sharapova—was not only poorly worded, but also unfair and disrespectful to Sabalenka as an athlete. Although the article itself might not have meant harm, the headline rubbed people the wrong way, and Sharapova was one of the first big names to say something about it publicly.

Sharapova took to social media to express her disappointment. She called on the Wall Street Journal to “do better” and reminded them that words matter—especially when it comes to how female athletes are represented. For someone like Sharapova, who has spent years under the media spotlight, she knows exactly how much damage or respect a headline can carry.

Fans were quick to support her, praising Sharapova for speaking out and standing up for fellow players. Many agreed that headlines can often be misleading or play into tired stereotypes, especially in sports coverage of women. Some even pointed out that if the same story was about a male athlete, the headline might have been completely different.

Aryna Sabalenka, known for her powerful game and recent success on the court, has not made a public statement about the issue. But it’s clear that Sharapova’s message was not just for her—it was for all women in sports. She reminded the media that athletes are not just clickbait. They are hardworking professionals who deserve to be treated with respect.

In today’s world, where social media can amplify both positive and negative voices, Sharapova’s callout felt important. It wasn’t loud or aggressive—it was classy, thoughtful, and direct. And sometimes, that’s exactly what it takes to start change.

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about one headline—it’s about the bigger picture. Athletes like Sabalenka and Sharapova are role models, and the way they’re represented matters. Hopefully, the media—and everyone else—can take this as a reminder to do better moving forward.