Sabalenka Before Wimbledon: "I Understand Why Some Think I'm a Bitch"
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka says her intense facial expressions on court give people a false impression of who she really is. Less than a month ago, following a quarter-final defeat at the French Open — where she had a clear path to the title after her main rivals had all been eliminated — she said she felt like walking away from tennis. Ahead of Wimbledon, she explains she is a much softer person off the court.
Last month she had a post-defeat meltdown and insisted she was done with tennis. On the eve of Wimbledon, she talks about what really happened – and why her ‘aggressive’ face gives people the wrong impressionIt’s less than a month since Aryna Sabalenka told the world that she felt like walking away from tennis. The world No 1 had suffered an almighty implosion. Sabalenka is as famous for her implosions as she is for her on-court ferocity. But this was a different level.She had been playing at her imperious best in the French Open, one of tennis’s four major tournaments. Winner after winner from the back of the court, and when she bullied her opponents back to the baseline she’d dupe them with the most delicate drop-shot. In the last 16 against Naomi Osaka she looked invincible. And then came the quarter-final. By now, all her main rivals were out. The 28-year-old had a clear path through to winning her fifth grand slam singles title. Again, she was playing well against the world’s No 25, Diana Shnaider. Sabalenka won the first set easily, 6-3, and was 5-3 up in the second set. Victory was an inevitability. And then it happened. One game lost. Then another. And another. The wind had picked up, playing conditions got ever worse, the organisers failed to close the roof. And Sabalenka was walloping shot after shot out of court. Continue reading...
The article outlines a method for building homemade mosquito traps that lure insects without the need for sprays or zappers. The traps exploit natural attractants such as carbon dioxide and fermenting sugars to draw mosquitoes in. The approach is presented as a simple, DIY solution anyone can prepare at home.
Casio has released a new watch drawing on the aesthetics of the 1990s, stepping away from the trend of feature-heavy smartwatch-style devices. The model prioritises simplicity and retro design over Bluetooth, solar charging or companion apps. The reviewer argues that simplicity is a strength rather than a shortcoming in modern wearables.
Robert Lewandowski is set to officially leave Barcelona within days, leaving a significant gap in attack. Barcelona's top transfer target to replace him is Julian Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid is firmly blocking any move to a direct La Liga rival. Alvarez himself is reportedly rebelling against his club's stance and pushing for a transfer.
Around ten Chinese and Russian military aircraft entered South Korea's Air Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ) but withdrew without violating the country's actual airspace, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. South Korean air force jets were scrambled in response to the incursion. No further incidents were reported.
Poland's agricultural social insurance fund KRUS revealed to Interia the amount of the highest pension it currently pays, awarded to a person who held agricultural insurance for 42 years. By comparison, the highest pension paid by the general ZUS system exceeds 54,000 PLN per month. The figures highlight a substantial gap between the two parallel pension systems.
Archaeologists excavating in Flecken Zechlin, Brandenburg, between 2021 and 2023 found the bones of four geese in a 17th-century latrine. Analysis revealed the birds belonged to a rare crested variety, bred for their unusual appearance rather than purely for food. The findings were published in the International Journal of Paleopathology. The site was historically linked to local elites and the Cistercian order.
Polish author Justyna Bednarek, known for the bestselling "Ten Socks," has released "Ładne kwiatki," the third book in her illustrated "Dad in Trouble" series, with artwork by Bartek Brosz. This time, hapless dad Gerard Filip Wieczorek has crash-landed near the Amazon rainforest after falling from a giant chicken, and his family sets out to rescue him from the town of Koluszki. The adventure is packed with humour, exotic creatures and a gadget called a "cardiotranslator" that reads mum Eugenia's heart.
Ewa, a mother in her forties, admits that while her husband practices attachment parenting, she herself is close to complete exhaustion. After a full day of intensive childcare, all she wants is rest. The piece explores the challenges of late motherhood and the limits of attachment parenting ideology.
The article presents a ranking of portable air conditioners suitable for home or office use during summer heatwaves. The selection covers various price ranges to suit different budgets. The authors claim the ranking is independent and focused on devices proven to effectively lower indoor temperatures.
Ecuadorian human rights organisations CDH and CEPAM, representing the family of Monika Silva Koniuszek, have filed a request with prosecutors to question Interior Minister John Reimberg as part of the investigation into the Polish woman's death. The move signals the family's push for greater accountability at a high governmental level. The news was reported by the Polish Press Agency PAP.
Polish referee Szymon Marciniak awarded a penalty in the Egypt vs Iran match (1:1) during the final round of the 2026 World Cup group stage. The decision allowed Marciniak to equal the all-time record for the most penalties awarded at a single World Cup tournament. The article does not name the previous record holder or the exact number of penalties involved.
An extreme heatwave has reached Poland with temperatures forecast to hit up to 40°C in the shade in some areas. The article explains how to recognise sunburn — redness and skin pain are described as "an obvious sign" — and outlines steps to take after sun exposure. Staying out of direct sunlight during peak hours is strongly advised.
The European Commission has refused to bail out airlines struggling with high fuel costs. Carriers are responding by cutting perks, unbundling fares and increasingly monetising add-on services. The changes are now affecting premium-class travellers, not just economy passengers.
Polish actor Bogusław Linda celebrates his 74th birthday, with Filmweb compiling a ranking of his 10 best roles as rated by users. He is best known as Franz Maurer in the "Psy" (Dogs) films, but the list spans his diverse career — including Father Robak in Andrzej Wajda's 1999 "Pan Tadeusz." The ranking highlights Linda's range across moral-anxiety cinema, historical costume dramas and contemporary productions.
Updated simulations of the Sun's ageing process suggest that Earth may not necessarily be swallowed when our star expands into a red giant. Researchers factored in more precise data on the Sun's mass loss and tidal interactions, raising the odds of Earth's physical survival. The findings challenge older models that predicted Earth would be engulfed.
Polish actress Magda Lamparska was spotted wearing a black linen co-ord set consisting of a loose shirt-style top and frilled shorts, offering a stylish alternative to dresses in the summer heat. She paired the look with flip-flops and minimal jewellery. The outfit fits the current trend for natural fabrics and effortless elegance.
Microsoft has reversed its recommended RAM requirement for Windows 11 laptops, now saying 8 GB is sufficient after previously pushing 16 GB as the practical minimum. The about-face comes amid the company facing market pressure and criticism over high hardware demands. The shift may affect purchasing decisions for budget laptop buyers.
On the 16th and final day of the 2026 World Cup group stage, England secured their place in the next round. Scotland's fate remains unresolved, while Cape Verde celebrated advancing from their group. Cape Verde head coach Bubista said his side had shown "nothing is impossible" and that they represent Africa and small nations worldwide.
KidsAlert is warning about a viral trend in which children use electric scooter wheels to spin playground roundabouts at dangerous speeds. A paramedic reported that four teenagers from the Pomerania region ended up in hospital after such an incident, with two requiring urgent neurosurgical operations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-day visit to Seychelles, where he will serve as Guest of Honour at the island nation's 50th National Day celebrations. The visit also aims to strengthen maritime security and economic cooperation between the two countries.
What's wrong?
Comments
Loading…
Swipe up
⚡
You're all caught up
You've seen all the latest stories. Check back later for more.
Comments
No comments yet — be the first to weigh in 👇
No comments yet. Be the first!