Aryna Sabalenka hits back at party line of questioning after victory
Aryna Sabalenka cut short questions about her pre-tournament activities in an excruciating exchange with a reporter following her second-round win at the US Open. The two-time defending champion thrashed Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in 53 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka rebuked a reporter for questioning her partying during the US Open after her win over Polina Iatcenko. The 2020 two-time defending champion defeated the Russian qualifier in a 53-minute match. When the reporter suggested she had been partying, Sabalenka responded with irritation, calling the reporter a "joke" and questioning the motive behind such a remark.
She argued that her social media posts showing brand engagements did not indicate she was skipping training. The reporter later clarified that she was not implying Sabalenka was partying, but she interrupted, claiming the reporter had already said so. Sabalenka then dismissed the topic, saying, "OK. Move on." She was then asked if her aggressive play began after her second-round win, to which she replied, "Oh, yeah, I wasn't serious before that.
Next question." The world number one will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday, striving for her 17th consecutive victory at Flushing Meadows.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Sabalenka earns 53-minute US Open win - but tension still shows sports.yahoo.com
- Sabalenka earns 53-minute US Open win – but tension still shows adomonline.com
- Alcaraz overpowers Faria to reach US Open third round freemalaysiatoday.com
- Sabalenka earns 53-minute US Open win - but tension still shows bbc.co.uk
