Aryna Sabalenka abruptly ended a probing interview about her off‑court activities after securing a swift second‑round victory at the US Open. The Belarusian star, who is the two‑time defending champion, dispatched Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko in just 53 minutes, winning 6‑1, 6‑1 on the hard courts of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Having already faced a similar line of questioning after her first‑round win, Sabalenka pushed back hard, insisting that her numerous public appearances and brand engagements have not interfered with her preparation for the tournament. "You guys are a joke," she snapped when the reporter suggested that her social‑media posts might indicate a lack of focus.
"Parties, fun – why would you even ask that? What kind of question is that? Just because I posted some brand‑related activities, you think I’ve been partying instead of training?" she retorted.
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 irritation was evident, and she quickly moved the conversation on. The reporter persisted, adding, "For anyone who’s unclear, I’m not implying Aryna is having fun at parties." Sabalenka responded tersely, "Thanks, yeah. I'm saying she makes a lot of appearances and there’s a lot to do and lots of events, OK?" The exchange ended with Sabalenka urging the reporter to "move on." A follow‑up question asked whether the start of the tournament had made her more serious and combative.
Sabalenka replied, "Oh, yeah, I wasn’t serious before that. Next question.
Think before you say stuff." Her bluntness underscored the pressure she feels as the world No. 1, chasing a third consecutive US Open title – a feat achieved only by legends such as Serena Williams and Chris Evert. Sabalenka’s next match pits her against Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday, a contest that could mark her 17th straight win at Flushing Meadows if she continues her dominant run.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaráz, returning from a lengthy wrist injury, rallied from a set down to defeat Portugal’s Jaime Faria 4‑6, 6‑0, 6‑3, 6‑2, securing his place in the third round. After dropping the opening set, Alcaráz found his rhythm, winning eight consecutive games to seal the match. He reflected on his performance, saying, "After that I just tried to be focused, tried to stay calm and I’m thinking good things are going to happen again," noting his impressive 16‑match winning streak in Grand Slam events.
Peruvian hopeful Ignacio Buse added a historic chapter to his family’s US Open legacy. The 32nd seed battled American Marcos Giron in a marathon five‑setter lasting three hours and 48 minutes on Court Six, ultimately prevailing 3‑6, 6‑3, 6‑3, 6‑7(6), 6‑1.
Buse’s decisive backhand volley to close the match sparked a roar from the crowd. He spoke about the mental challenge of the fifth set: "It’s difficult to find 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 contender Stefanos Tsitsipas survived a grueling encounter with South Africa’s Lloyd Harris, overturning a set deficit to win 6‑7(1‑7), 6‑3, 7‑6(7‑4), 6‑4. The Greek, who shocked 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 the United States’ quest for a home champion, defeating Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6‑3, 7‑6(7‑2), 7‑5. A victory would keep alive hopes of ending a 23‑year drought without a male US Open champion on home soil. 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 upcoming Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also shown on Sky Sports.