Aryna Sabalenka responded forcefully to the chorus of criticism that has surrounded her recent performances, telling detractors that they can "go and get on with their own lives" after she opened her US Open campaign with a decisive victory. The Belarusian, who is currently the world number one, used the post‑match interview to underscore her frustration with persistent negativity and to reaffirm her confidence as she pursues an elusive third consecutive US Open title.
For the past six months Sabalenka has been working to recapture the dominant form that made her a staple at the top of the women's tour. After completing the coveted Sunshine Double – winning both the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments – in March, she experienced a surprising slump, failing to reach any final for the remainder of the season. That stretch left her questioning her consistency and gave critics ample material to dissect her game. Yet, stepping onto the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, she displayed a clear intent to reverse that narrative.
In her opening match, Sabalenka unleashed a barrage of 32 winners, overwhelming Camila Osorio 6‑2, 6‑4. The aggressive baseline play, powerful serve, and relentless forehand left little doubt that she was back in her element. The win secured her a place in the second round, where she will meet Russia’s Polina Iatcenko, a matchup that promises to test her ability to maintain momentum against a rising talent.
When asked about the mixed reception she receives from fans and media, Sabalenka, who has been photographed at various pre‑US Open events, offered a candid perspective: "People either love you or hate you. It took me some time to shut out the noise, but I’ve learned that there will always be supporters and opponents.
I’m exhausted by the miserable haters. I’ve decided to stay strong, trust my process, and trust my choices and my taste. Those who love me will stand by me no matter what, and the haters can go and get on with their own lives." This statement, delivered to Sky Sports Tennis, highlighted her determination to focus on personal resilience rather than external judgment.
During the same press conference, Sabalenka engaged in a pointed exchange with a journalist probing the demands of her schedule. The reporter asked how she balances the physical and mental strain of a packed pre‑tournament itinerary while carrying the weight of being the top seed. Sabalenka responded sharply, questioning the premise of the question and asserting that her off‑court activities are merely extensions of her tennis life, not distractions.
She emphasized that her entire schedule revolves around the sport, and any events she attends are integrated into her preparation, not separate hobbies. Sabalenka’s comments came at a time when the women's draw features three other contenders who could potentially overtake her in the rankings if they perform strongly. The pressure to defend her position at the summit adds another layer to the narrative of her US Open quest. Nonetheless, the Belarusian appears undeterred, channeling any criticism into motivation to prove her superiority on the biggest stages.
The US Open, now in full swing, is being broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with additional streaming options available on the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app. Fans can also catch highlights, match analysis, and exclusive video content through these services. Beyond the Grand Slam, the tennis calendar continues with events such as the Laver Cup, scheduled to take place at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also covered by Sky Sports. Sabalenka’s resolve to ignore the "miserable haters" reflects a broader trend among elite athletes who choose to protect their mental health by setting boundaries with critics.
By publicly declaring that detractors can move on, she not only reasserts her confidence but also sends a message to younger players about the importance of self‑belief. As she advances through the US Open draw, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if her powerful performance on the court can silence the doubters and secure her place in history with a historic three‑peat at Flushing Meadows.