"Should keep their comments to themselves" says Jimmy Connors amid questioning surrounding Aryna Sabalenka playing Miami Open after tragedy
WTA
As Aryna Sabalenka is currently planned to be playing tonight to open up her Miami Open campaign, questioning surrounded the World No.2's decision to play after the tragic passing and apparent suicide of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov. But Jimmy Connors has told those fans to keep those comments to themselves.
Sabalenka wrote on social media that she was heartbroken albeit that they were no longer together with all kinds of rumours, conjecture and theories flooding social media which Connors says is unfair and to let her deal with it in the way that she wants to.
He also used his own experience and said that it was an escape for him. The same can be said for Sabalenka who a week after her dad initially passing was back on the tennis court in even more tragic circumstances so that coping mechanism in effect again.
"With all due respect, there are some things that people should keep their comments to themselves on. Unless you’re really in her shoes, and you know what she’s going through and what her thoughts are, it’s better to stay away," he said on the Advantage Connors podcast.
"Even though that is devastating, how she takes it, only she knows. She would be criticized if she pulled out or she’s gonna be criticized if she continues to play, because that’s just the way people are," the former World No. 1 added.
"Back in the day, when I was playing, tennis was a good escape for me. (I was) going through a lot of things and a lot happening, (so) to go out, it gives you a mental break; it takes your mind away from a lot of things that are happening away from the court.
"It’s her choice and it’s how she tries to deal with it on her own. And my thoughts go out to her because I know tennis is a tough enough game to go out and play against your opponent; to work; to train; and to try to be as good as she is, let alone with something outside the court that is as devastating as this to have on your mind."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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