‘You’re a joke’: Aryna Sabalenkova attacks reporter for ‘party’ talk at tense US Open press conference

World number one Aryna Sabalenkova brushed off a reporter’s question during her post-match press conference after being asked if the brands’ events and appearances ahead of the US Open included “parties and entertainment”.The switch came after defending champion Sabalenka’s 6-1, 6-1 win over Polina Iatcenko in the second round on Wednesday. It was the second press conference in a row where she was asked about her pre-tournament activities.The defending champion denied that her performance off the court had affected her preparation.“You guys are like a joke. Parties, fun… like, why would you even say that? Why would you even think about that? What kind of question is that?” said Sabalenka.“Just because I posted some activity with brands and you think I’ve been partying and not training?” she added before ending the exchange.After the discussion shifted back to tennis, Sabalenka said she was happy with her performance and the way she approached matches.“I’ve been working really hard, but I feel like I’m moving away from trying to be perfect on the court,” Sabalenka said. “I know you can’t be perfect and I’m just trying to work with what I have right now.Belarus is aiming for a third straight US Open title while trying to avoid ending the year without a Grand Slam title. Her last title came at the Miami Open in March.Sabalenka admitted that she went through a difficult period in the middle of the season, but believes that she has recovered mentally and physically.“I think I struggled a bit in the middle of the season. I’m not going to defend myself again or explain why, what happened, but I’m happy with my level,” said the 28-year-old.“I can definitely say mentally I’m a lot stronger than I was in the middle of the season and physically I feel stronger as well. I feel like I’m at my game level and I just want to focus on the game every time.”

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