Sabalenka Fires Back at Press Over Off-Court Activity Questions After Dominant US Open Win

Aryna Sabalenka cut short questions about her pre-tournament activities during a tense exchange with a reporter following her second-round victory at the US Open.

The two-time defending champion dismantled Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1 6-1 in just 53 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Belarusian, who had faced a similar line of questioning after her first-round win, pushed back firmly against the implication that her off-court appearances had come at the expense of her preparations for the Grand Slam.

Sabalenka, who frequently posts on social media at events she attends and with brands she collaborates with, responded: “You guys are, like, a joke.

“Parties, fun. Like, why would you even say that? Why would you even think about that? What kind of question is that?

“Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I’ve been partying, not training? The question, like, what is that?”

When the reporter responded: “I’m saying that there are a lot of events and things like that. I’m not saying you go to the parties,” Sabalenka interrupted: “You literally said that. Next question.”

The reporter replied: “For everyone who is unclear, I’m not suggesting that Aryna is having fun at these parties.”

“Thanks, yeah,” came the response.

“I’m saying that she makes a lot of appearances and there’s a lot to do and lots of events, OK?” said the reporter.

“OK. Move on,” replied Sabalenka.

She was then asked: “So, now that the tournament has started, do you find you’re getting quite serious and combative?”

Sabalenka replied: “Oh, yeah, I wasn’t serious before that. Next question. Think before you say stuff.”

The world No 1, seeking a third straight title in New York to emulate Serena Williams and Chris Evert, faces Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday looking for a 17th consecutive win at Flushing Meadows.

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Alcaraz Powers Into US Open Third Round

Carlos Alcaraz’s comeback from an extended wrist injury layoff continued to gather momentum as he rallied from behind to outclass Portugal’s Jaime Faria 4-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 and advance to the third round.

The defending champion rebounded from an early deficit by winning eight consecutive games to seal the victory.

“After that I just tried to be focused, tried to stay calm and I’m thinking that good things are going to happen again,” said Alcaraz, who is currently on a 16-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments.

Peruvian Ignacio Buse added a new chapter to his family’s US Open story as he came through a five-set thriller to earn a maiden victory, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who last won a match at the tournament in 1958.

The 32nd seed defeated Marcos Giron 3-6 6-3 6-3 6-7(6) 6-1 after three hours and 48 minutes on Court Six, finishing off the match with a backhand volley that sparked loud cheers from his team and fans in the stands.

“It’s difficult to find the calm in those situations, but in the fifth set, I just tried to recover mentally,” Ignacio said.

“It’s a mental battle out there. I just stayed calm. It’s a very special moment.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas survived a battle against South Africa’s Lloyd Harris, recovering from a set down to clinch a 6-7 (1-7) 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 victory. The Greek player, who stunned 10th seed Arthur Fils in the first round, next faces Czech 18th seed Jiri Lehecka.

American 11th seed Frances Tiafoe defeated Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 7-5, keeping alive the country’s hopes of ending a 23-year wait for a home men’s champion in New York.

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