Aryna Sabalenka apologises to reporter after heated US Open confrontation
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Sabalenka had called out a reporter over his ‘parties’ question
Aryna Sabalenka’s 2026 US Open campaign has had more drama off the court than on it, and the latest chapter came after her thumping second-round win over Polina Iatcenko.
At her press conference, reporter Matt Futterman of The Athletic asked about her mood “now that the tournament has started,” adding that the previous week had involved “lots of parties and fun and stuff like that.” Sabalenka didn’t take it well.
Sabalenka shuts down reporter over ‘parties’ question
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“You guys are like a joke,” she snapped. “Parties, fun. Like, why would you even say that? Why would you even think about that? Just because I posted some activities with brands and you think that I’ve been partying, not training?”
When the reporter tried to calm things down by clarifying that he wasn’t accusing her of partying, just noting the volume of brand appearances she had made, Sabalenka was not having any of it.
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“You literally said that,” she shot back before dismissing him with “next question” and later telling him to “think before you say stuff.”
Sabalenka apologises to the reporter
The exchange split opinion online, with some fans feeling Sabalenka was justified and others calling the question fairly harmless. Hours later, Futterman revealed on social media that Sabalenka and her agent reached out directly to apologise.
“She and her agent actually texted me to apologise, which I appreciated,” he wrote, effectively closing the loop on the incident.
Sabalenka off to steady start
On court, none of this has slowed her down. The Belarusian has looked close to untouchable, cruising past Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-4 in the opener before dismantling Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in under an hour.
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She is chasing a third straight US Open title, which would make her the first woman to do so since Serena Williams between 2012 and 2014. To book her place in the fourth round of the US Open for the sixth consecutive time, she must first beat Kamilla Rakhimova. The contest is scheduled to take place at 8:30 PM IST on September 4, live from the Louis Armstrong Stadium.
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How many times has Aryna Sabalenka won the US Open?
Aryna Sabalenka has won the US Open twice — 2024 and 2025.
Who did Aryna Sabalenka beat in the second round of the US Open 2026?
Aryna Sabalenka beat Polina Iatchenko 6-1, 6-1 in the second round of the US Open 2026.
Who does Aryna Sabalenka face in the third round of the 2026 US Open?
Aryna Sabalenka faces Kamilla Rakhimova in the third round of the 2026 US Open?
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram