'You can do better' - Maria Sharapova slams popular newspaper over headline about Aryna Sabalenka

Former World No.1 Maria Sharapova took issue with a headline by American newspaper, Wall Street Journal, following what many have deemed a "ridiculous" headline about Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka.

The current WTA World No.1 is competing at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, where she hopes to win her maiden grass court Grand Slam title. Sabalenka has shown her trademark tenacity during SW19, and is set to face American Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals on Thursday.

Sharapova blasts World Street Journal for absurd headline

A recent article by the World Street Journal focused on Sabalenka's journey and growth in the tennis community. At an imposing 6ft tall, the Belarusian's game employs almost unrivaled power from the baseline.

The newspaper article on Sabalenka mentioned she had practiced with 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic and current men's world No.1 Jannik Sinner, as she "needed practice partners who could handle her powerful groundstrokes".

However, the title of the article read 'The World No. 1 Who Hits So Hard She Practices Against Men', prompting backlash from several tennis fans who were upset with the implications. Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova was one of many who voiced her opinion on the headline, taking to social media soon after the article was published.

"What is this headline and what is this article? You can do better @WSJ", wrote the retired Russian star on Instagram.

The article featured Sabalenka talking about engaging in practice sessions with Sinner and Djokovic when she arrived at Wimbledon. Furthermore, the three-time Grand Slam singles champion admitted this had helped improve her game.

"Hitting with the guys, it’s another level of intensity,” Sabalenka explained. “When you see, on that side, someone like Jannik or Novak, you learn from them. You reflect what they do on court. You play with them…and you see the difference. It’s really helped my tennis."