Aryna Sabalenka was forced to correct BBC presenter Lee McKenzie during her live on-court interview at Wimbledon after securing a hard-fought victory over Laura Siegemund.
The world number one battled back from a set down to win 4-6 6-2 6-4 on Centre Court, having been visibly frustrated at times during the match.
During the post-match interview with McKenzie, Sabalenka immediately interrupted when the BBC presenter claimed she had previously described Siegemund's playing style as "annoying".
The Belarusian firmly denied making such a statement, setting the record straight in front of the Wimbledon crowd.
Aryna Sabalenka wagged her finger at the BBC reporter after being asked an incorrect question
BBC
"You said beforehand that Laura has an annoying game," McKenzie began, before Sabalenka quickly interjected.
She said: "No, no, no, I didn't say that. They asked the question saying that she said she had an annoying game. Just to make that clear."
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The 27-year-old then wagged her finger emphatically as she added: "I didn't say that, just to make that clear."
When McKenzie suggested the comment had been made in a "complimentary way", Sabalenka responded: "It's not like it's an annoying game, it's a smart game."
Sabalenka's actual comments in her previous press conference had been in response to a question about Siegemund's self-proclaimed "annoying game".
She had replied: "Well, it's tricky.
"Especially on the grass when all of those shots, like, it just slows down and you have to stay really low and work with your legs a lot."
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Aryna Sabalenka had to fight hard to land victory and continue her march towards Wimbledon glory
Reuters
The Belarusian had continued: "Especially on the grass it can be really tricky, her game style.
"Yeah, it's annoying. But I've been facing a lot of tricky players."
She had emphasised the importance of not getting frustrated and focusing on her own game to handle Siegemund's challenging shots.
Sabalenka went on to explain Siegemund's approach during the on-court interview, saying: "She's really making everyone work against her and going into the match against her you know that you have to work for every point."
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The world number one added: "It doesn't matter if you're a big server, a big hitter, you have to work, run and earn the win."
Having progressed through her challenging encounter with the 37-year-old German, Sabalenka will face either Amanda Anisimova or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the semi-finals.
The number one seed remains the favourite to win the title at the All England Club.
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