Aryna Sabalenka was really upset with the question she got after winning the US Open, saying, “You guys are a joke.”
Aryna Sabalenka didn’t hold back when a reporter asked her about her lifestyle after her easy second-round win at the US Open.
The world No.1 beat Polina Latcenko 6-1, 6-1 in just 53 minutes at Flushing Meadows, aiming for her third straight US Open title.
Even after such a strong win early Thursday, Sabalenka was asked if she was really focused on tennis, since she had been busy with brand promotions before the tournament.
Before this, she was also asked about her energy after her first-round win, and now more questions popped up about how she spends her time.
Before the US Open, she attended events for Dobel Tequila and Material Good and visited Gucci’s New York store. While she’s a famous sports star worldwide, some critics wonder if she’s fully committed to tennis with all her outside activities.
At her post-match press conference, Sabalenka pushed back hard when a reporter said she had been to “a lot of parties” before the tournament.
“You guys are a joke,” she said. “Parties, fun? Why would you even say that? Why think that? Just because I shared some brand stuff, you think I’ve been partying, not training?”
The reporter replied, “I’m not saying you were partying; I’m saying there were many events and things to do. I’m not saying you went to parties.” Sabalenka shot back, “You literally said that.”
The reporter tried to explain, but Sabalenka told him to “move on” before he kept pushing, asking if she’s now feeling serious about tennis.
She answered sarcastically, “Oh yeah, I wasn’t serious before. Next question. Think before you speak.”
Sabalenka is trying to become the first player since Serena Williams (2012-2014) to win three US Opens in a row.
She started 2026 really strong, winning 23 of her first 24 matches, but has had some struggles recently. Coming into Flushing Meadows, she had lost in the fourth round in her last three tournaments and risks losing her No.1 spot this month.
To keep the top ranking, she needs to win the US Open again—but even then, she could lose it if Elena Rybakina makes it to the semi-finals.