Sabalenka slams reporter over party question after US Open win

World number one Aryna Sabalenka exploded at a reporter in the main interview room beneath Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday, rejecting the premise that her high-profile brand appearances before the US Open constituted "partying" instead of professional training.

The clash occurred immediately after Sabalenka dismantled Polina Iatcenko in a 53-minute second-round victory, winning 6-1, 6-1. While the Belarusian dominated on the court, the post-match press conference devolved into a heated exchange over her focus and her activities during "Fan Week," the window of sponsorship obligations and events that precede the official start of the tournament.

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The confrontation began when Matthew Futterman, a journalist for the New York Times and The Athletic, questioned Sabalenka's mood now that the tournament had started, noting that the previous week had consisted of lots of parties and fun and stuff like that.

"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?"

Aryna Sabalenka, World No. 1, via Sky Sports

Sabalenka challenged the assumption that social media posts documenting activities with brands—including events for Gucci and the luxury jewelry store Material Good—implied a lack of preparation. Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I've been partying, not training? she asked.

Futterman attempted to clarify that he was not suggesting Sabalenka was unfocused or having fun at parties, but rather that there are a lot of events and things like that for top stars to attend. Sabalenka interrupted, insisting, You literally said that, and told the journalist to move on.

When Futterman asked if she was now becoming quite serious and combative as the tournament progressed, Sabalenka responded sarcastically: Oh, yeah, I wasn't serious before that. Next question. She ended the exchange by gesturing toward Futterman and warning him to think before you say stuff.

The outburst follows a similar line of questioning Sabalenka faced after her first-round match. The tension arrives as the 28-year-old attempts to secure her first major title since winning the Miami Open in March. Sabalenka admitted that she struggled a little bit in the middle of the season, though she maintains she is now mentally and physically stronger.

Despite the media friction, Sabalenka's on-court form has remained clinical. She has dropped only eight games across her first two matches of the tournament. Her victory over Iatcenko, which included 24 winners to Iatcenko's three, extends her US Open winning streak to 15 matches.

Sabalenka has also maintained a stark record against qualifiers. According to Sporty, she has won all 13 of her grand slam matches against qualifiers, every one of them in straight sets. Across the wider WTA Tour, she has won her last 25 matches against qualifiers and lucky losers, a streak dating back four years to a defeat against Donna Vekic in San Diego.

Off the court, Sabalenka has faced scrutiny from trolls regarding her fashion choices. Wearing Nike-designed outfits, she has drawn criticism for a basketball-inspired ensemble that left her sports bra and briefs exposed. Sabalenka dismissed the backlash, stating I love it and explaining that Nike developed specific day and night versions of her attire, with orange for day sessions and black for night sessions.

The Belarusian is now chasing a third consecutive US Open title, a feat that would see her emulate legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams.

Sabalenka returns to the court on Friday for a third-round match against Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova.

Tournament Dominance and Major Milestones

The confrontation in the interview room stands in contrast to Sabalenka's statistical efficiency. Her victory over Iatcenko was her 107th main draw win at majors since the beginning of the decade, a tally second only to Iga Swiatek, who has 109, according to Sporty.

Beyond the numbers, Sabalenka has shifted her psychological approach to the game. While she admitted to struggling during the middle of the season, she told reporters via ABC News that she is now mentally and physically stronger and is moving away from the pressure of trying to be perfect on court.

The Belarusian's arrival in New York also involved a curated wardrobe strategy. She wore a black basketball-inspired ensemble for mixed doubles with Novak Djokovic and a bright orange version on Monday during her 6-4, 6-4 win over Camila Osorio. Sabalenka clarified that Nike designed specific day and night versions of her attire, with orange designated for day sessions and black for night sessions.

Having reached the third round, Sabalenka is now pursuing a 17th consecutive win at Flushing Meadows. The next step is her third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday