Aryna Sabalenka abruptly ended a probing interview with a reporter after securing a dominant second‑round victory at the US Open, making it clear she would not entertain questions about her off‑court schedule. The Belarusian, who is the two‑time defending champion, dispatched Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko in just 53 minutes, winning 6‑1, 6‑1 on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite her swift win, the post‑match press conference turned tense when the journalist asked about Sabalenka’s involvement in various promotional events and whether those commitments had interfered with her preparation for the Grand Slam.
Sabalenka, who frequently shares snapshots of her brand collaborations and public appearances on social media, responded sharply: "You guys are, like, a joke. Parties, fun. Why would you even ask that?
What kind of question is that? Just because I posted some activities with sponsors, you assume I'm partying instead of training? What is that?" When the reporter 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, retorting, "You literally said that. Next question." She then urged the media to think before they asked such insinuations.
The exchange continued with the reporter emphasizing, "For anyone who’s unclear, I’m not suggesting Aryna is having fun at parties," to which Sabalenka replied curtly, "Thanks, yeah. I’m saying she makes a lot of appearances and there are many events, OK?" The player then signaled she was ready to move on, saying, "OK.
Move on," before being asked whether she was now taking a more serious, combative approach now that the tournament was underway. Sabalenka answered bluntly, "Oh, yeah, I wasn’t serious before that. Next question.
Think before you say stuff." The world No.1, who is chasing a third consecutive US Open title to join the ranks of legends like Serena Williams and Chris Evert, will face Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday, aiming for her 17th straight win at Flushing Meadows. In other news from the tournament, Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz continued his comeback from a lengthy wrist injury, overcoming an early set loss to defeat Portugal’s Jaime Faria 4‑6, 6‑0, 6‑3, 6‑2 and advance to the third round.
Alcaraz rallied by winning eight games in a row after the first set, demonstrating the focus and calm he believes will bring more success: "After that I just tried to be focused, stayed calm, and I think good things will happen again." His confidence is backed by a 16‑match winning streak in Grand Slam competition. Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse added a historic chapter to his family’s US Open legacy by securing his first main‑draw win in a grueling five‑set battle against American Marcos Giron, 3‑6, 6‑3, 6‑3, 6‑7(6), 6‑1, on Court Six. Buse’s victory came after a marathon 3 hours and 48 minutes, culminating in a backhand volley that ignited cheers from his supporters. He reflected on the mental toughness required: "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." Buse’s win echoes his grandfather Eduardo’s 1958 US Open triumph, linking past and present generations.
Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas also survived a tough contest, rallying from a set down to defeat 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 showdown with Czech 18th seed Jiri Lehecka. Meanwhile, American 11th seed Frances Tiafoe overcame Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6‑3, 7‑6(7‑2), 7‑5, keeping alive the United States’ hopes of ending a 23‑year drought without a home‑grown men’s champion at the Flushing Meadows event.
The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with options to stream matches contract‑free via 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 showcases a blend of seasoned champions defending titles and emerging talents carving out their place on tennis’s biggest stage, all while navigating the pressures of media scrutiny and the expectations of a global audience.