New Delhi, September 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former British No. 1 Johanna Konta has defended Aryna Sabalenka after the world No. 1 pushed back against a reporter’s questions about her activities in the week leading up to the US Open.
Following her second-round victory, Sabalenka appeared frustrated when a journalist asked about her mood after what he described as a week filled with “parties and fun and stuff like that.”
Sabalenka strongly objected to the suggestion, questioning why her social media posts featuring brand activities were being interpreted as evidence that she had been partying.
“You guys are like a joke. Parties? Fun? Why would you even say that?” Sabalenka said during her press conference, adding that she had professional commitments with brands and that her social media activity did not reflect how she had spent her time preparing for the tournament.
The exchange attracted widespread attention, prompting Konta to come to the defence of the two-time US Open champion.
“I think this is the perfect example of don’t always believe what you see on social media,” Konta told Eurosport. She noted that Sabalenka would have contractual obligations with brands while also maintaining the demanding training and preparation required of a top-level professional athlete.
Konta also felt the reporter’s question was somewhat antagonistic and suggested that the media may sometimes ask such questions because they expect an emotional response from Sabalenka.
“There is no doubt that an athlete, and a successful athlete like Aryna Sabalenka, is putting the necessary work in to be as successful as she is,” Konta said.
Sabalenka, who is targeting a third consecutive US Open singles title, continued her impressive run at the tournament by comfortably defeating Iatcenko in the second round. She hit 24 winners and converted six of eight break-point opportunities during the 54-minute match.
The victory extended Sabalenka’s US Open winning streak to 15 matches. She has also now won 22 consecutive second-round matches at Grand Slam tournaments.
Konta said Sabalenka was justified in defending herself during the press conference.
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with her explaining herself, or even her standing up for herself in that way,” Konta said, while acknowledging that the exchange had generated significant discussion.
She added that Sabalenka’s priorities were clearly focused on her professional career, pointing out that while elite athletes have commitments away from the court, those opportunities are ultimately linked to their performances on it.
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