Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Monday, March 23, 2026, 1:09 p.m. / Updated Monday, March 23, 2026, 1:15 p.m.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka (27) offered several interesting statements at the press conference after her match against Caty McNally (24) 6-4, 6-2 in the second round of the Miami Open.
Belarus has advanced to the round of 16, where she will face Zheng Qinwen (23 years old), who in turn beat Madison Keys 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
At the end of the match, Sabalenka revealed how she has recently managed to escape warnings from the referees, even during the most tense moments, when she lost her temper. He frankly admitted that he resorted to swearing in the Portuguese language, which he began to study, and which he immediately fell in love with.
Thus, it could be downloaded without being understood and automatically escaped without warnings. However, he knows that, having disclosed this aspect, he must change his strategy in the future.
Aryna Sabalenka: “What about swearing?! Oh my God! Now it comes naturally to me”
“I love Brazilian culture! I feel like it's similar to Belarus, we're so passionate and so nice. When they fall in love, Brazilians are totally into it. They're incredible!”
I'm on Duolingo, I think I'm 199 days into learning, I'm doing my best, and when I'm on the app I'm fluent in Portuguese. I can talk about any topic, but when I hang up the phone I don't know what to say. What about swearing?! Oh my God! It's the most beautiful language to swear in! I adore her! Now it comes naturally to me!
I love it so much! The referees don't pay attention to me when I say all sorts of things in Portuguese and I don't get any warnings.
The referees know English, Russian, it's obvious when you swear in these languages, they listen. But I don't pay attention when I say stupid things in Portuguese, I don't get any warning. Ha-ha-ha! I'm smart! But now they find out too and I have to find something else.” Sabalenka said at the press conference after the victory with Caty McNally
