Aryna Sabalenka abruptly ended a probing interview about her off‑court activities after securing a dominant second‑round victory at the US Open. The Belarusian, who is the two‑time defending champion, dispatched Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko with a crushing 6‑1, 6‑1 scoreline in just 53 minutes on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Having already faced a similar line of questioning after her first‑round win, Sabalenka made it clear that her numerous public appearances and brand engagements have not interfered with her preparation for the Grand Slam. "You guys are a joke," she snapped when the reporter suggested that her social‑media posts about brand events might indicate she was partying instead of training. "Parties, fun – why would you even ask that?
What kind of question is that? Just because I posted some activities with sponsors, you think I'm not training?" she retorted, visibly irritated.
When the journalist tried to clarify, saying, "I'm not saying you go to parties, I'm just noting the many events you attend," Sabalenka cut him off: "You literally said that. Next question." Her tone was firm and unapologetic, signaling that she would not tolerate speculation about her commitment. The exchange continued when the reporter pressed, "For anyone who is unclear, I'm not suggesting Aryna is having fun at these parties." Sabalenka responded with a curt, "Thanks, yeah," before moving on.
She then added, "I'm saying she makes a lot of appearances and there's a lot to do and lots of events, okay?" The reporter persisted, prompting Sabalenka to reply, "OK. Move on." The reporter then asked whether Sabalenka was now taking the tournament more seriously and becoming more combative now that it had begun. Sabalenka answered bluntly, "Oh, yeah, I wasn't serious before that.
Next question. Think before you say stuff." Her sharp rebuke underscored her frustration with what she perceives as intrusive media tactics. Sabalenka, currently world No.
1, is chasing a third consecutive US Open title – a feat achieved only 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, still recovering from a lengthy wrist injury, staged a comeback in his second‑round match. After dropping the first set to Portugal's Jaime Faria 4‑6, Alcaraz surged back to claim the next three sets 6‑0, 6‑3, 6‑2, completing an eight‑game winning streak that turned the tide.
"After that I just tried to stay focused, stay calm, and I think good things will happen again," Alcaraz said, noting his 16‑match Grand Slam winning streak. Peruvian newcomer Ignacio Buse added a historic chapter to his family’s US Open legacy. He fought through a grueling five‑setter to defeat American Marcos Giron 3‑6, 6‑3, 6‑3, 6‑7(6), 6‑1 after three hours and 48 minutes on Court Six.
Buse’s victory marked the first US Open win for his family since his grandfather Eduardo’s triumph in 1958. "Finding calm in those moments is tough, but in the fifth set I just tried to recover mentally," Buse explained. "It’s a mental battle out there, I stayed calm, and it felt very special." Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas also survived a tight contest, overturning a set deficit to beat South Africa's Lloyd Harris 6‑7(1‑7), 6‑3, 7‑6(7‑4), 6‑4. After upsetting 10th seed Arthur Fils in the opening round, Tsitsipas now looks ahead to a quarter‑final clash with Czech 18th seed Jiri Lehecka.
American 11th seed Frances Tiafoe continued his quest to end a 23‑year drought for a homegrown male champion, dispatching Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6‑3, 7‑6(7‑2), 7‑5. His win keeps the United States’ hopes alive as the tournament progresses.
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, also shown on Sky Sports. Overall, the tournament has already delivered a mix of on‑court drama and off‑court tension.
Sabalenka’s fiery interview highlights the growing scrutiny athletes face regarding their extracurricular commitments, while the performances of Alcaraz, Buse, Tsitsipas, and Tiafoe illustrate the depth of talent competing for the coveted New York titles. As the second week unfolds, spectators can expect more high‑stakes matches, potential upsets, and perhaps further moments where players push back against intrusive questioning, reminding everyone that preparation—whether on the court or off—remains a personal and often private aspect of a champion’s journey.