New York, September 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka hit back at a reporter during her post-match press conference after being asked about her activities and sponsorship commitments in the lead-up to the US Open.
The two-time defending champion stormed into the third round with a commanding 6-1, 6-1 victory over 22-year-old Polina Iatcenko. The Belarusian needed just 54 minutes to complete the win and extended her winning streak at Flushing Meadows to 15 matches.
During the press conference, a reporter asked Sabalenka how she was feeling now that the tournament had begun, referring to the “parties and fun” she had reportedly been involved in before the competition.
Sabalenka reacted sharply to the question.
“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 said.
The top seed then reflected on her performance against Iatcenko, saying she was pleased with her level and the way she maintained her concentration.
“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.
“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.
Sabalenka will next face Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova in the third round as she continues her bid to defend her US Open crown.
If successful, Sabalenka would become only the third woman in the Open Era to win three consecutive US Open singles titles.
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