Aryna Sabalenka abruptly ended a probing interview with a reporter after her dominant second‑round victory at the US Open, insisting that her off‑court engagements have not interfered with her Grand Slam preparation. The world No. 1, who is the two‑time defending champion, dispatched Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko in a swift 6‑1, 6‑1 win that lasted just 53 minutes on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium. The tense exchange began when the journalist asked Sabalenka about the numerous brand events and public appearances she has been posting about on social media.
Sabalenka, known for regularly sharing photos and videos from sponsor obligations and other outings, shot back with palpable irritation. "You guys are a joke," she said, her tone sharp. "Parties, fun – why would you even ask that? What kind of question is that?
Just because I posted some activities with brands, you think I've been partying instead of training? What is that about?" When the reporter tried to clarify, stating, "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." Her impatience was evident, and she quickly moved on, urging the reporter to focus on the tennis rather than her social‑media life.
The journalist persisted, attempting to explain that he was merely noting the volume of her off‑court commitments: "For everyone who is unclear, I'm not suggesting Aryna is having fun at these parties. I'm saying she makes a lot of appearances and there's a lot to do and lots of events, okay?" Sabalenka responded curtly, "OK.
Move on," before the interview shifted to a more confrontational tone. The reporter then asked whether Sabalenka was now taking the tournament more seriously and becoming more combative.
Sabalenka, still visibly annoyed, replied, "Oh, yeah, I wasn't serious before that. Next question. Think before you say stuff." Her rebuke underscored how protective she is of her preparation routine and how quickly she can become defensive when her focus is questioned.
Sabalenka is chasing a third consecutive US Open title, a feat last achieved by legends such as Serena Williams and Chris Evert. She will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday, aiming for her 17th straight win at Flushing Meadows.
In other news from the tournament, Carlos Alcaraz continued his comeback from a lengthy wrist injury, overturning a set deficit to defeat Portugal's Jaime Faria 4‑6, 6‑0, 6‑3, 6‑2 and advance to the third round. After falling behind early, Alcaraz rallied with eight straight games, demonstrating the poise that has propelled him to a 16‑match winning streak in Grand Slam events. "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 said post‑match.
Peruvian youngster Ignacio Buse added a historic chapter to his family's US Open legacy by securing his first main‑draw victory in a grueling five‑set battle against American Marcos Giron. Buse, the 32nd seed, won 3‑6, 6‑3, 6‑3, 6‑7(6), 6‑1 after three hours and 48 minutes on Court Six, sealing the match with a backhand volley that ignited cheers from his supporters. He reflected on the mental challenge of the fifth set, saying, "It's difficult to find the calm in those situations, but in the fifth set, I just tried to recover mentally. It's a mental battle out there.
I just stayed calm. It's a very special moment." Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas also survived a tight contest, coming from a set down to beat South Africa's Lloyd Harris 6‑7(1‑7), 6‑3, 7‑6(7‑4), 6‑4. Tsitsipas, who upset 10th seed Arthur Fils in the opening round, now looks ahead to a clash with Czech 18th seed Jiri Lehecka.
American 11th seed Frances Tiafoe continued his pursuit of a home‑grown champion, defeating Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6‑3, 7‑6(7‑2), 7‑5. Tiafoe's win keeps alive the United States' hope of ending a 23‑year drought without a male champion at the New York slam.
The US Open remains broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app. Fans can also catch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27 on Sky Sports. The tournament continues to deliver dramatic storylines, from Sabalenka's fiery press conference to emerging talents making their mark on tennis's biggest stage.