Aryna Sabalenka has openly confronted the detractors who have surrounded her this season, bluntly telling them that "haters can go and get on with their own lives" after she kicked off her bid for a third consecutive US Open title with a convincing win. The Belarusian, who currently sits atop the women's rankings, used the post‑match interview to underscore her frustration with the constant negativity and to reaffirm her confidence in her own decisions and preparation. The past half‑year has been a roller‑coaster for Sabalenka.
After completing the coveted Sunshine Double—winning both Indian Wells and Miami—in March, she entered a period of relative drought, failing to reach another final for six months. The slump raised questions about whether she could sustain the level of dominance that had made her a staple in the latter stages of every major.
Yet, stepping onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for her opening match, she seemed to have shed those doubts. Sabalenka unleashed a barrage of 32 winners to dispatch Camila Osorio in straight sets, 6‑2, 6‑4, signaling that she remains a formidable force and that the dream of a rare "three‑peat" at the season‑ending Grand Slam is still alive.
The victory set up a second‑round clash with Russia’s Polina Iatcenko, another rising talent eager to test the world No. 1. While the upcoming match promises its own storyline, the broader narrative surrounding Sabalenka is her determination to silence the chorus of criticism that has followed her since the start of the year. In a candid conversation with Sky Sports Tennis, the four‑time Grand Slam champion explained how she had to learn to filter out the noise.
"It took me a little while to shut down those noises," she admitted. "There will always be people who support your choices, people who go against you, people who love you or hate you." Sabalenka’s remarks reflected a deeper weariness.
"I'm so tired of the miserable haters," she said, emphasizing that she has chosen to stay true to herself, trust the process she has built, and rely on her own taste in the sport. "Whoever loves me will be there no matter what. Haters can go and get on with their own lives." This statement not only served as a personal mantra but also resonated with many fans who appreciate her unapologetic authenticity.
During the same press conference, Sabalenka found herself in a slightly tense exchange with a journalist probing the balance between her packed pre‑tournament schedule and the energy required to perform at a Grand Slam. The reporter asked, "I'm curious, with the week leading up to the Open, there are so many events and everything, it can be kind of physically draining. On top of being the top seed here and among the favourites, how do you balance the energy, especially with the energy that New York brings into your tennis?
And then looking over the next two weeks, how do you kind of maintain a steady level with your energy?" Sabalenka responded with a hint of sarcasm, "What is the question there?" When pressed further, she retorted, "Why do you think the week before I wasn't focused on tennis?" The journalist attempted to clarify, noting, "Oh I think you were. I just think you were busy with a lot of events." Sabalenka answered firmly, "It's like my hobby outside of tennis. The whole schedule we plan is all around tennis. So all of those events are not drawing me away in any way." Her reply highlighted her view that off‑court commitments are extensions of her tennis life rather than distractions, reinforcing the idea that she maintains a singular focus on her sport.
Beyond the personal drama, Sabalenka is also defending her position at the top of the WTA rankings. Three other players in the women's main draw have the mathematical chance to overtake her, making every match crucial not only for the US Open title but also for preserving her number‑one status. The pressure of defending points from the previous year adds another layer of intensity to her campaign.
The US Open, broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30, continues to draw a global audience. Viewers can stream matches contract‑free via NOW or the Sky Sports app, and the tournament’s highlights, scores, and best‑shot compilations are readily available online. The event also coincides with other major tennis spectacles, such as the Laver Cup, which will be staged at The O2 in London from September 25‑27 and will also be shown on Sky Sports.
Sabalenka’s outspoken stance against her critics reflects a broader trend among elite athletes who are increasingly vocal about mental health, media scrutiny, and the toll of constant public evaluation. By declaring that the haters can "go and get on with their own lives," she joins a growing list of champions who prioritize self‑belief over external approval.
Whether this mental fortitude translates into a third US Open crown remains to be seen, but her performance against Osorio suggests she possesses both the skill and the resolve to make a deep run. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Sabalenka’s next matches, her ability to navigate the physical demands of New York’s humid summer, and her capacity to stay insulated from the inevitable chatter that surrounds any top‑seeded player. If she can maintain the level of focus she displayed in her opening victory, the possibility of a historic three‑peat becomes more than a hopeful fantasy—it becomes a tangible goal within reach.