World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka was left fuming at a reporter who asked her a question about her lifestyle following her second-round win at the US Open on Thursday, September 3. Sabalenka beat Polina Latcenko 6-1 6-1 in 53 minutes, putting on a strong display that showed her prowess as the Belarussian star eyes a third consecutive US Open crown.
However, the questions did not stop once the match was over, with Sabalenka once again facing an uncomfortable line of questioning. Following her opening-round victory, the Belarusian had already been pressed on her energy levels amid a number of off-court developments surrounding her ahead of the tournament.
After her latest match, the subject came up again. But this time, Sabalenka appeared to have little patience for the repeated questions and hit back at the reporter.
SABALENKA VS REPORTER: FULL QUOTES
Reporter: “Well done tonight, I’m curious, how are you finding your mood now that the tournament has started? Obviously last week it’s lots of parties and fun and stuff like that…”
Sabalenka: “You guys are like a joke. Parties. Fun. Why would you even say that? Why would you even think about that? Like, what kind of question is that? Just because I posted some activities with brands and you think that I’ve been partying and not training?”
Reporter: “I’m not suggesting you were partying I’m saying there are a lot of events and things like that. I’m not saying you go to the parties.”
Sabalenka: “You literally said that.”
Reporter: “Excuse me? For everyone who’s unclear, I’m not suggesting that Aryna is having fun at these parties. I’m saying she makes a lot of appearances and there’s a lot to do.”
Sabalenka: “OK. Move on.”
Reporter: “Now that the tournaments started, do you find you’re getting quite serious and combative?”
Sabalenka: “(Sarcastically) Oh yeah, I wasn’t serious before that. Next question. Think before you say stuff.”
SABALENKA’S SOCIAL MEDIA GAME
Sabalenka has never shied away from giving fans a glimpse into her life away from the court. Her social media feeds are regularly filled with tournament moments, candid behind-the-scenes footage and playful dance videos featuring members of her coaching team. While that connection has helped strengthen her popularity, it has also led some to question whether the Belarusian’s attention is being pulled in too many directions.
Her activities away from tennis are also closely tied to her growing commercial profile. In the build-up to the US Open, Sabalenka made appearances at promotional events for Dobel Tequila and Material Good, stopped by Gucci’s flagship store in New York and revealed a fresh partnership with Moroccanoil.
The growing list of brand commitments has added to Sabalenka’s profile off the court, but it has simultaneously intensified the debate over whether her expanding business interests could be taking attention away from her tennis.
Sabalenka made a blistering start to the 2026 season, winning 23 of her opening 24 matches. However, her momentum faded later in the year, with the Belarusian managing a 17-7 record from her Miami Open title through to the US Open.
– Ends
