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Aryna Sabalenka jokes that men can’t handle Australian Open heat

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Jan 28, 2026 9:28 AM ET

Aryna Sabalenka brought the jokes to her post-match press conference at the Australian Open.

Sabalenka routed Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0 in their quarterfinal match at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, on Monday night. The roof at the arena was open, making for a hotter match between the women, though Sabalenka finished Jovic off quickly.

Though the roof was open for her match, it was closed for the matches afterwards. Sabalenka was asked after her match about the roof being open during her competition, but being closed for the men who played afterwards.

“It was hot out there,” Sabalenka said.

“As a woman, we stronger than the guys, so they had to close the roof for the guys so they don’t suffer,” Sabalenka joked.

Aryna Sabalenka on the roof being open for her match against Iva Jovic at Australian Open:

“It was hot out there. I guess yeah, as a woman we are stronger than the guys, so they had to close the roof so they don’t suffer you know?”

(via Australian Open Press) pic.twitter.com/Ityh4NWSEY
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 27, 2026

The temperatures were high enough that Australian Open heat protocol was triggered, leading to the roof being closed for the later matches. The tournament was following its protocol, though it’s funny hearing Sabalenka talk about how much tougher the women on tour are compared to the men.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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