US Open: Aryna Sabalenka hits back at reporter over ‘parties and fun’ question

Aryna Sabalenka during her win over Polina Iatcenko in New York on Wednesday. Pic/AFP

[popcorn number="Seven" desc="Consecutive number of tournaments Aryna Sabalenka has failed to reach a final in since winning Indian Wells and the Miami Open in March" class="Default"]

[popcorn number="13-0" desc="Sabalenka's win-loss record against qualifiers at majors; all have been won in straight sets" class="Default"]

[popcorn number="23" desc="Consecutive number of Round-Two matches won by Sabalenka at Grand Slams" class="Default"]

Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka lambasted a reporter during the press conference following her Round-2 win at the US Open for being questioning her about her pre-tournament activities.

Sabalenka, who brushed aside Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 to march into the third round, was asked about her sponsorship work in the lead-up to the Flushing Meadows.

"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," a reporter asked during the press conference. Sabalenka lambasted the reporter, saying "What kind of question is that?"

"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?" she fumed at the press conference.

World No. 1 Sabalenka made light work of her opponent in the second round. She took just 53 minutes to cruise past Iatcenko and extend her streak in New York to 15 matches.

"I'm happy with my level. I've been working really hard, but I feel like I'm kind of moving away from trying to be perfect on court," Sabalenka said reflecting on the match. "I know that you cannot be perfect, and I'm just trying to work with what I have right now.

"I'm pretty happy with the level. I'm happy with my focus. I'm happy that I'm able to focus on myself no matter what and being consistent with my focus," she added.

The top seed will now be up against Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova in the third round as she looks to keep her march going and become only the third woman to win three straight US Open titles.

Sabalenka's streak of commercial events

Aryna Sabalenka shared this picture on Instagram while promoting a jewellery brand just three days before the US Open

Sabalenka posted this picture promoting a hair-care product just two days before the US Open

Sabalenka posted this picture during the promotion of a five-star hotel in New York just one day before the US Open

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