New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- Aryna Sabalenka opened up on the controversial hindrance call during her Australian Open 2026 women's singles semifinal against Elina Svitolina on Thursday at the Rod Laver Arena. The incident took place during the fourth game of the first set.

As the rally intensified between the two, umpire Louise Azemar Engzell paused the game with a "stop, hindrance" call just when Svitolina was about to return to Sabalenka. Engzell's call shocked both the players. While Svitolina stood in a state of surprise, "what?" was Sabalenka's first reaction as the world no. 1 called for a television review.

"You went, 'Uh-aya'. You don't make the normal sound," was Engzell's reply to Sabalenka as she upheld her decision. Although the Be...