Think before you say something: Aryna Sabalenka attacks a reporter for a lifestyle question
World number one Aryna Sabalenkova was left fuming at a reporter who asked her about her lifestyle after winning the second round at the US Open on Thursday (September 3). Sabalenka defeated Polina Latcenko 6-1 6-1 in 53 minuteswho produced an emphatic show that showcased her fitness as the Belarusian star eyed a third straight US Open crown.
However, after the match, the questions did not stop and Sabalenka again faced an unpleasant series of questions. After winning the opening round, Belarus was already under pressure for energy ahead of the tournament as a series of off-court events unfolded around her.
US OPEN 2026: FULL NEWS
After her last match, the topic came up again. But this time Sabalenka seemed to have no patience for repeated questions and returned to the reporter.
SABALENKA VS REPORTER: FULL QUOTES
Newsletter: “Excellent tonight, I wonder how you’re finding the mood now that the tournament has started? Of course there’s been a lot of partying and fun and stuff this past week…”
Sable: “You’re 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 I was at parties and not training?”
Newsletter: “I’m not implying you’ve been to parties, I’m saying there’s a lot of events and things like that. I’m not saying you go to parties.”
Sable: “You literally said it.
Newsletter: “Excuse me? For anyone who isn’t clear, I’m not saying that Aryna is having fun at these parties. I’m saying that she shows up a lot and there’s a lot to do.”
Sable: “Okay, come on.
Newsletter: “Now that the tournaments have started, do you find yourself getting quite serious and combative?”
Sable: “(Sarcastic) Oh yeah, I wasn’t serious before. Another question. Think before you say anything.”
Aryna Sabalenka wasn’t happy with the question she received during her US Open press conference: ‘Think before you speak’
“How do you gauge the mood now that the tournament has started? Obviously there’s been a lot of partying and fun and stuff this past week…”
Aryna: “You pic.twitter.com/CPZvShRbSI— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 3, 2026
SABALENKA SOCIAL MEDIA GAME
Sabalenka has never shied away from giving fans a glimpse into her life off the court. Her social media feeds are regularly filled with tournament highlights, candid behind-the-scenes footage and playful dance videos featuring members of her coaching staff. While this connection has helped boost her popularity, it has also led some to question whether Belarus’ attention is being pulled in too many directions.
Her activities outside of tennis are also closely linked to her growing commercial profile. In preparation for the US Open, Sabalenka appeared at promotional events for Dobel Tequila and Material Good, stopped by the Gucci flagship store in New York and unveiled a new partnership with Moroccanoil.
A growing list of brand commitments has added to Sabalenka’s off-court profile, but has also fueled debate over whether her expanding business interests could distract from her tennis.
Sabalenka had a great start to the 2026 season, winning 23 of her opening 24 matches. Her momentum faded later in the year, however, and the Belarusian went 17-7 from her Miami Open title to the US Open.
– The end
Published on:
03 Sep 2026 16:22 IST