Aryna Sabalenka hits back at reporter over 'Parties' question after US Open win
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Sabalenka defeated Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in the second round
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus is not in the mood for questions about her social life. The World No. 1 got into a tense back-and-forth with a reporter on Thursday after her second-round win at the US Open, and she made it clear she wasn’t happy about being asked whether her off-court appearances were affecting her tennis.
Sabalenka beat Russia’s Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in just 53 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium, a dominant performance that kept her on track for a third straight US Open title. But once the match ended, the questions kept coming, and this time she pushed back hard.
It started when a reporter asked how Sabalenka’s mood was now that the tournament had started, adding that “last week it’s lots of parties and fun and stuff like that.”
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Sabalenka didn’t hold back. “You guys are like a joke,” she said. “Parties. Fun. Why would you even say that? Why would you even think about that? Like, what kind of question is that? Just because I posted some activities with brands and you think that I’ve been partying and not training?”
Reporter pushes back, Sabalenka doesn’t let it go
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The reporter tried to clarify, saying, “I’m not suggesting you were partying. I’m saying there are a lot of events and things like that. I’m not saying you go to the parties.” Sabalenka wasn’t having it. “You literally said that,” she shot back.
The reporter then addressed the room directly: “Excuse me? For everyone who’s unclear, I’m not suggesting that Aryna is having fun at these parties. I’m saying she makes a lot of appearances and there’s a lot to do.” Sabalenka’s reply was short: “OK. Move on.”
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Things didn’t end there. When asked if she was feeling more serious and competitive now that the tournament was underway, Sabalenka responded sarcastically: “Oh yeah, I wasn’t serious before that. Next question. Think before you say stuff.”
This isn’t the first time Sabalenka has faced this line of questioning at Flushing Meadows. After her opening-round win, she also addressed criticism about her energy and focus amid a busy schedule of brand commitments, including appearances for Dobel Tequila, Material Good, and Gucci, as well as a new partnership with Moroccanoil.
Sabalenka had a blistering start to 2026, winning 23 of her first 24 matches, though her form has since cooled to a 17-7 record since her Miami Open title. She next faces Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova as she chases a 17th straight win at the US Open.
Why was Aryna Sabalenka angry at the reporter?
Sabalenka was taken aback by the reporter’s question.
Who did Aryna Sabalenka beat in the second round?
Sabalenka beat Russia’s Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in 53 minutes, setting up a third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan.
How many times has Aryna Sabalenka won the US Open?
Sabalenka has won the US Open on two back-to-back occasions — 2024 and 2025.
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