Aryna Sabalenka engaged in a heated argument with a reporter at the US Open after being asked what her mood at the tournament is after ‘lots of parties and fun.’
The journalist was questioning the world No.1 about her current mentality at the Grand Slam after conducting various sponsorship-related activities leading up to the tournament. Something common for players to do. However, Sabalenka has previously voiced frustration about the insinuation that she isn’t taking her professional career seriously.
“You guys are a joke. Parties, fun… like, why would you even say that? Why would you even think about that? What kind of question is that? Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I’ve been partying, not training?” Sabalenka said to the reporter during her press conference.
The journalist immediately clarified that he was not suggesting that the world No.1 has been partying. Explaining that there have been a lot of promotional events and activities leading up to the event. However, Sabalenka wasn’t in the mood to engage any further in the conversation.
“You literally said that. Next question,” she said.
Earlier this week, Sabalenka told Sky Sports that she was tired of her critics, who she described as ‘miserable haters.’ The Belarusian comes into New York hoping to regain momentum in her form after failing to reach the quarter-finals in her last three tournaments. The last time she featured in a final was at the Miami Open in March.
“It took me a little while to shut down those noises,” she told Sky Sports Tennis. “There will always be people who support your choices, people who go against you, people who love you or hate you.
“I’m so 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.”
On the court at Flushing Meadows, Sabalenka is finding her groove, with her latest victory being a comprehensive 6-1, 6-1 win over Polina Latcenko. She was on court for less than an hour (53 minutes to be exact), winning 56 of 82 points.
She will next play Kamilla Rakhimova, who previously represented Russia on the Tour before switching allegiance to Uzbekistan. Rakhimova defeated Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-3, 6-0 in her second round match.
