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Aryna Sabalenka Advances to Stuttgart Semis After Disputed Call and Code Violation

The World No. 1 overcame a controversial ball-mark dispute and unsportsmanlike conduct warning to defeat Elise Mertens in straight sets.

Tennis - WTA 500 - Stuttgart Tennis Grand Prix - Porsche Arena, Stuttgart, Germany - April 19, 2025 Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka in action during her quarter final match against Belgium's Elise Mertens REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth
Tennis - WTA 500 - Stuttgart Tennis Grand Prix - Porsche Arena, Stuttgart, Germany - April 19, 2025 General view during the quarter final match between Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka and Belgium's Elise Mertens REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth
Tennis - WTA 500 - Stuttgart Tennis Grand Prix - Porsche Arena, Stuttgart, Germany - April 19, 2025 Belgium's Elise Mertens in action during her quarter final match against Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth
Aryna Sabalenka was given a code violation for taking a photograph of what she believed was an incorrect call.

Overview

  • At 4-3 in the first set, Sabalenka photographed a disputed ball mark after umpire Miriam Bley denied a second review request.
  • The incident led to a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct but did not disrupt Sabalenka's performance.
  • Sabalenka immediately broke back and secured a 6-4, 6-1 victory to reach the Stuttgart Open semi-finals.
  • Post-match, Sabalenka described her handshake with Bley as unusually firm, reflecting lingering tension over the officiating dispute.
  • Sabalenka will face Jasmine Paolini in the semi-finals after the Italian defeated Coco Gauff in straight sets.