Aryna Sabalenka abruptly ended a probing interview with a reporter after her dominant second‑round victory, making it clear she would not entertain questions about how she spends her time off the court. The Belarusian, who is the two‑time defending champion at the US Open, dispatched Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko in a swift 6‑1, 6‑1 win that lasted just 53 minutes on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Having already faced a similar line of questioning after her first‑round triumph, Sabalenka was quick to defend her off‑court commitments, insisting that her promotional appearances and social‑media posts have not interfered with her preparation for the Grand Slam. "You guys are, like, a joke," she snapped, visibly irritated.

"Parties, fun. Why would you even ask that?

Why would you even think about that? What kind of question is that?" She continued, "Just because I posted some activities with brands, you assume I'm partying instead of training?

What kind of question is that?" When the reporter tried to clarify, saying, "I'm saying there are a lot of events and things like that. I'm not saying you go to the parties," Sabalenka cut him off, "You literally said that. Next question." The exchange quickly escalated, with the reporter attempting to distance himself from any implication that Sabalenka was neglecting her tennis in favour of social events. "For everyone who is unclear, I'm not suggesting that Aryna is having fun at these parties," he said.

Sabalenka responded curtly, "Thanks, yeah," before adding, "I'm saying that she makes a lot of appearances and there's a lot to do and lots of events, OK?" The reporter persisted, "OK. Move on," to which Sabalenka replied, "Think before you say stuff." Later, the reporter asked whether the start of the tournament had made her more serious and combative. Sabalenka answered, "Oh, yeah, I wasn't serious before that. Next question.

Think before you say stuff." Her frustration was palpable, and she made it clear that she would not entertain any insinuations that her off‑court obligations were compromising her training regimen. Sabalenka, currently ranked world No. 1, is aiming for a third consecutive US Open title, a feat that would place her alongside legends like Serena Williams and Chris Evert.

She will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday, seeking her 17th straight victory at Flushing Meadows. In other tournament news, Carlos Alcaraz, who has been rebuilding after a lengthy wrist injury, fought back from a set down to defeat Portugal's Jaime Faria 4‑6, 6‑0, 6‑3, 6‑2, advancing to the third round.

Alcaraz described his mindset after the comeback: "After that I just tried to be focused, tried to stay calm and I'm thinking that good things are going to happen again." The Spaniard is now on a 16‑match winning streak in Grand Slam events. Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse added a new chapter to his family's US Open legacy by securing his first main‑draw win, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Eduardo, who last won a match at the tournament in 1958. The 32nd seed overcame American Marcos Giron in a grueling five‑set battle, 3‑6, 6‑3, 6‑3, 6‑7(6), 6‑1, after three hours and 48 minutes on Court Six. Buse finished the match with a backhand volley that ignited cheers from his team and the crowd.

"It's difficult to find the calm in those situations, but in the fifth set, I just tried to recover mentally," Buse explained. "It's a mental battle out there.

I just stayed calm. It's a very special moment." Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas also survived a tough contest, rallying from a set down to beat South Africa's Lloyd Harris 6‑7(1‑7), 6‑3, 7‑6(7‑4), 6‑4. After his upset of 10th seed Arthur Fils in the opening round, Tsitsipas now prepares to meet Czech 18th seed Jiri Lehecka. American 11th seed Frances Tiafoe continued his pursuit of ending a 23‑year drought for a home men’s champion by defeating Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6‑3, 7‑6(7‑2), 7‑5.

The US Open remains broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW without a contract and via the Sky Sports app. Fans can also catch the upcoming Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also shown on Sky Sports.