Aryna Sabalenka is the two-time reigning champion at the U.S. Open and has safely made it through the first two rounds of her run at a threepeat.
But after her second-round match against Polina Iatcenko, Sabalenka was asked a question during her post-match press conference that sparked some ire.
A reporter asked Sabalenka about her mood now that the tournament had started, noting, “Obviously last week it’s lots of parties and fun and stuff like that…”
Sabalenka immediately took issue with the question.
“You guys are like a joke. Parties. Fun. Why would you even say that?” she asked. “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?”
The reporter clarified that they weren’t implying Sabalenka had been partying, but were referring to the appearances that come with being a returning champion ahead of the tournament.
Sabalenka was unmoved. Asked if she was getting “serious and combative” now that the tournament was underway.
“Oh yeah, I wasn’t serious before that,” she replied. “Next question. Think before you say stuff.”
Aryna Sabalenka was not happy with a question she received during her U.S. Open press conference, ‘Think before you say stuff’
“How are you finding your mood now that the tournament has started? Obviously last week it’s lots of parties and fun and stuff like that..”
Aryna: “You… pic.twitter.com/CPZvShRbSI
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 3, 2026
Sabalenka is a superstar, and again, the two-time reigning champion of the U.S. Open. Understandably, she had many media commitments ahead of the start of this year’s tournament.
It’s fair to ask about the transition from promotional mode to competitor mode. Sabalenka seemed to take issue with the idea that she was “partying,” which is also understandable, as she doesn’t want it implied that she’s not working hard to win titles when she is out doing other work. The two are not mutually exclusive.
Two rounds into the tournament, Sabalenka wants the conversation to be focused on her play moving forward, but press conferences exist for reporters to ask questions.
About Tyler Lauletta
Tyler is a editorial contributor at Awful Announcing, with previous stops at Sports Illustrated and Business Insider during his career covering sports in digital media. He is, begrudgingly, a Truster of the Process and general Philly sports sicko.