Aryna Sabalenka hits out at joke journalist after question over partying

The defending women's US Open champion, Aryna Sabalenka got involved in a tense exchange of words with a journalist after they questioned her about her off-court activities that involved having parties and fun. The Belarusian got visibly irritated about the question surrounding the things that happened away from the court. She rejected the question, saying it jeopardises her preparations for the Grand Slam.

Reacting to the question, she said, “you guys are, like, a joke. Parties, fun, why would you even say that? Why would you even think about that? What kind of question is that?” She further added, “just because I posted, like, some activities with brands and you think I have been partying and not raining?” cutting the exchange of words short with the said journalist.

Turning to her performance on Wednesday, the world number one and two-time defending champion dished out another ruthless performance as she proved too strong for Polina Iatcenko, winning her second round match in straight sets by 6-1, 6-1. After the win, she said, she was pleased with both her level and her focus.

“I have been working really hard, but I feel like I am kind of moving away from trying to be perfect on court,” Said Sabalenka. I know that you cannot be perfect and I am just trying to work with what I have right now. She will continue her title defense and look to win the title for the third time in successive attempts in New York and avoid ending the year without any major in her kitty.

She concluded by saying, “I can definitely say that mentally I am way stronger than I was in the middle of the season, and physically I also feel stronger. I feel like I am on my level of play and I just want to bring the right focus on the match every time.”