Aryna Sabalenka responded forcefully to the critics who have been targeting her, telling them that "haters can go and get on with their own lives" after she opened her campaign for a third straight US Open title with a decisive victory. The Belarusian star, who has been trying to recapture the dominant form that made her a regular fixture at the top of the women's game, used the early round win as a platform to address the constant scrutiny she faces. For the past six months Sabalenka’s results have been a mixed bag.
After completing the coveted Sunshine Double—winning both Indian Wells and the Miami Open—in March, she endured a stretch where she failed to reach a single final. The slump left her questioning her own consistency and gave opponents plenty of material for commentary. Yet, entering the US Open she showed a clear intention to reverse that trend and chase an extremely rare "three‑peat" at the sport’s final Grand Slam of the year.
Achieving three consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows would place her among an elite group that includes legends such as Margaret Court, Serena Williams and Steffi Graf. In her opening match on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sabalenka unleashed a barrage of 32 winners to dispatch Camila Osorio 6‑2, 6‑4. The aggressive baseline play, powerful forehand and relentless serving left the Colombian opponent with little chance to recover.
The win set up a second‑round clash with Russia’s Polina Iatcenko, a player known for her defensive skills and tactical variety. Sabalenka’s confidence was evident not only in the scoreline but also in her demeanor as she stepped onto the court, signaling that she is ready to re‑establish her dominance on the biggest stage.
When asked about the polarising opinions surrounding her career, Sabalenka did not shy away. In an interview with Sky Sports Tennis she said, "People love you or hate you. It took me a little while to shut down those noises. There will always be people who support your choices, people who go against you, people who love you or hate you." She went on to explain that she is "so tired of the miserable haters" and that she has chosen to stay strong, trust her process, and follow her own instincts.
"Whoever loves me will be there no matter what. Haters can go and get on with their own lives," she added, underscoring her determination to focus on her own path rather than external negativity. The press conference that followed her match turned into a lively exchange with a journalist probing the physical and mental demands of the US Open schedule. 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 replied bluntly, "What is the question there?" When pressed further about the hectic week before the tournament, she retorted, "Why do you think the week before I wasn't focused on tennis?" The journalist attempted to clarify, "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." This exchange highlighted her no‑nonsense attitude toward media scrutiny and her belief that off‑court commitments are merely extensions of her tennis life rather than distractions. Sabalenka’s comments come at a time when the women's ranking landscape is particularly competitive. Three other players in the main draw have the mathematical possibility of overtaking her for the world No.
1 spot, adding extra pressure to perform consistently throughout the fortnight. The US Open, which begins on August 30, is being broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, allowing fans worldwide to follow the action without a long‑term contract. Beyond the immediate tournament, Sabalenka’s statement reflects a broader trend among elite athletes who are learning to manage public perception in the age of social media. The constant flow of commentary—both supportive and hostile—can affect a player’s mental health, and many have begun to adopt a more resilient mindset, focusing on personal growth and performance metrics rather than external validation.
Sabalenka’s declaration that "haters can go and get on with their own lives" is a clear example of this modern approach, emphasizing self‑belief and an unwavering commitment to her own standards. If she continues on this trajectory, the possibility of securing a third consecutive US Open crown becomes more realistic. Such an achievement would not only cement her legacy but also send a powerful message to any detractors: her talent and work ethic can overcome criticism and adversity.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Sabalenka to see whether she can translate her early dominance into a deep run, potentially culminating in a historic three‑peat that would be celebrated by fans and fellow players alike. For those interested in following her journey, the US Open offers live scores, match results, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis through Sky Sports' coverage. The network also promotes the Laver Cup, scheduled to take place at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, providing additional high‑profile tennis content for viewers. Sabalenka’s story, both on and off the court, continues to evolve, and her outspoken stance against negativity adds an intriguing narrative layer to an already compelling championship quest.