World number one Aryna Sabalenka shared details of the incident involving photographing a mark on the court during the Stuttgart quarterfinal against Elise Mertens, and also spoke about the umpire`s reaction.
The disputed moment occurred in the first set when, after losing a game on her serve, the Belarusian expressed disagreement with umpire Miriam Bley`s decision. According to the official, Sabalenka`s shot landed out, giving Mertens a double break point, but Aryna herself was convinced the ball had touched the line.
Sabalenka asked the umpire to recheck the mark where the ball landed, but Bley refused, stating that the point had already concluded. In response, Aryna took out her phone and snapped a picture of the mark on the clay.
Talking about this incident in an on-court interview, Sabalenka shared her impressions of interacting with the umpire after the match.
Sabalenka: “When we shook hands, I got the impression that the umpire was unhappy with my action of taking the photo. Her look was kind of significant, and her handshake was very strong. It`s the first time I`ve encountered such a reaction.”
Interviewer: “Did you respond in kind?”
Sabalenka: “No, of course not. Why would I get involved in such games? It`s all fine.”
Marcus Blakely 
Gilbert Pendleton