Aryna Sabalenka defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova in Berlin on Wednesday before facing pointed questions about Roger Federer during her post-match interview. The exchange drew swift criticism from fans who felt the interviewer tried to manufacture controversy.
Sabalenka improved her 2026 record to 32-4 with the straight-sets victory. The on-court interviewer first asked how often she wakes up thinking she is world number one. She replied that she never does so, noting it would undermine her consistency at the top.
The interviewer then referenced quotes attributed to Federer, including the idea that there is number one and then everyone else. Sabalenka said she did not believe Federer had made that statement and added that every match remains a battle regardless of ranking.
Fans online quickly condemned the line of questioning as awkward and unnecessary. Multiple viewers noted the crowd's visible discomfort during the exchange and praised Sabalenka for staying composed.
She next faces Nikola Bartunkova in the quarterfinals.
