Aryna Sabalenka hits back at ‘miserable haters’ in successful start to US Open title defence

Aryna Sabalenka launched a scathing response to "miserable haters" following a dominant straight-sets victory at the US Open, where she began her title defence with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Colombia's Camila Osorio. The Belarusian tennis player has faced a challenging period in recent months, as she has not reached a final since winning the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami in March.

Sabalenka suffered third-round exits at Toronto and Cincinnati, the two events she played at the start of the American hard-court season. With Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina in the lead to replace her at the top of the rankings, Sabalenka will need to win the title and Rybakina to lose before the semi-finals to maintain her world No 1 status.

Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff could also ascend to the top spot if they secure the championship. Despite the pressure, Sabalenka emphasized the importance of staying focused on her tennis career, telling Sky Sports Tennis: "I'm tired of the miserable haters. I decided to stay strong with myself and trust the process, trust with my choices and taste.

Whoever loves me will be there no matter what. Haters can go and get on with their own lives." Her comments were particularly pointed, given a tense press conference where she clashed with a journalist over her apparent disinterest in tennis outside of the sport.