In a thrilling showdown on Thursday at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, Aryna Sabalenka emerged victorious over her friendly rival Yulia Putintseva in a hard-fought battle that ended with a 6-0 final set. The top seed showcased her mental toughness as she rallied from a set down to clinch the win, leaving Putintseva pondering the prospect of settling her owed dinners.
The history between Sabalenka and Putintseva dates back to 2019 when Putintseva promised her opponent “two dinners” after their match at the US Open. While the initial dinner plans were postponed until after their latest encounter, the playful banter continued with a wager that the winner would foot the bill for the meal.
Following her victory, Sabalenka couldn’t help but acknowledge Putintseva’s culinary skills, describing her as a true “artiste” in the kitchen. Despite emerging victorious on the court, Sabalenka expressed hesitation about sampling Putintseva’s cooking again, half-jokingly suggesting that she might end up with a poisoned meal if she accepts an invitation to dine with her rival.
The bond between Sabalenka and Putintseva goes beyond the tennis court, with Sabalenka attending a special birthday celebration hosted by Putintseva before the Australian Open earlier this year. The camaraderie between the two players adds an extra layer of intrigue to their on-court battles, showcasing the sportsmanship and friendship that can flourish even in the midst of intense competition.
As Sabalenka and Putintseva shared a post-match hug, the promise of a future dinner date lingered in the air, with Sabalenka’s victory setting the stage for a culinary showdown that could rival their on-court battles in intensity and flavor. Only time will tell if Putintseva’s cooking will be a hit or a miss with Sabalenka, but one thing is for sure – the rivalry between these two players is as captivating off the court as it is on it.