Aryna Sabalenka abruptly ended a probing interview about her off‑court activities after securing a dominant second‑round victory at the US Open, turning what should have been a routine press session into a tense exchange. The Belarusian, who is the two‑time defending champion, dispatched Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko in just 53 minutes with a crushing 6‑1, 6‑1 win on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Despite the straightforward nature of the match, the post‑match interview quickly shifted focus from her performance to her schedule outside the tournament. Sabalenka, who has become known for her frequent social‑media updates that showcase her involvement with various brands and events, was asked whether her off‑court commitments were interfering with her preparation for the Grand Slam.
She responded sharply, calling the line of questioning "a joke" and demanding that the reporter reconsider the premise of the question. "Parties, fun. Why would you even bring that up? Just because I posted a few pictures with sponsors, you assume I'm partying instead of training?
What kind of question is that?" she retorted. When the reporter tried to clarify, stating, "I'm not saying you go to parties, I'm just noting you have a lot of appearances," Sabalenka cut him off, saying, "You literally said that. Next question." Her frustration was evident, and she urged the journalist to move on, emphasizing that her preparation had not suffered because of her public engagements. The interview continued with the reporter attempting to frame the discussion around the sheer volume of events Sabalenka attends.
She replied tersely, "OK. Move on," signaling that she would not entertain further speculation about her schedule. The reporter then asked whether she was now taking a more serious, combative approach now that the tournament was underway.
Sabalenka answered curtly, "Oh, yeah, I wasn't serious before that. Next question. Think before you say stuff," underscoring her irritation with the line of questioning. Outside of this confrontation, Sabalenka remains focused on her historic goal: winning a third consecutive US Open title, an achievement only a select few women—most notably Serena Williams and Chris Evert—have accomplished.
She will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday, aiming for her 17th straight win at Flushing Meadows and hoping to cement her place in tennis history. The day also featured other notable matches. Carlos Alcaraz, 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, advancing to the third round.
Alcaraz described his mindset after the comeback: "I tried to stay focused, stay calm, and I believe good things will happen again," noting his 16‑match winning streak in Grand Slam events. Peruvian teenager Ignacio Buse added a new chapter to his family's US Open legacy. He secured his first main‑draw victory by outlasting American Marcos Giron in a marathon five‑setter, 3‑6, 6‑3, 6‑3, 6‑7(6), 6‑1, on Court Six. The match lasted three hours and 48 minutes, ending with a backhand volley that sparked a roar from the crowd.
Buse reflected on the mental challenge of the fifth set, saying, "It's difficult to find calm in those situations, but I tried to recover mentally. It's a mental battle out there, and I just stayed calm. It's a very special moment for me and my family." Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas also survived a tight battle, coming back 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 first round, now looks ahead to a clash with Czech 18th seed Jiri Lehecka.
On the American side, 11th seed Frances Tiafoe defeated Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6‑3, 7‑6(7‑2), 7‑5, keeping alive the hope of ending a 23‑year drought without a homegrown men’s champion at the US Open. The tournament continues to draw massive viewership, with live coverage on Sky Sports from August 30 and streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app. Fans can also catch the upcoming Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Sabalenka's fiery interview serves as a reminder that athletes are increasingly navigating the delicate balance between media scrutiny, personal branding, and the relentless demands of elite competition.