Aryna Sabalenka was all smiles in the media center at the U.S. Open after cruising to a straight-sets victory over Polina Iatcenko on Wednesday night to punch her ticket into the third round. That is, until one media member attempted to take the focus off of tennis and put it on Sabalenka’s life off the court.

The World No. 1 got into a back-and-forth with a reporter after she interrupted his question about how she was feeling in the midst of the tournament after what was a busy week leading into the year’s final Grand Slam.

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“You guys are, like, a joke. Parties, fun, like, why would you even say that?” Sabalenka asked after rolling her eyes. “Why would you even think about that? What kind of question is that?

“Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I’ve been partying, not training?”

Aryna Sabalenka in action against Polina Iatcenko in the second round on Day 4 of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 2, 2026 in New York City. (Robert Prange/Getty Images)

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The reporter tried to clarify the question to fellow media members in the room, making note that they weren’t suggesting the Belarusian had been partying, but simply pointing out that there are many events that brands and other outlets host that big-name players attend.

Sabalenka, however, wasn’t having it.

“Oh yeah, I wasn’t serious before that,” Sabalenka said, sarcastically. “Next question. Think before you say stuff.”

Aryna Sabalenka serves against Polina Iatcenko during their Women’s Singles Second Round match on Day Four of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 2, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Sabalenka has shared three pieces of branded content since arriving in New York on her Instagram account, but she also hasn’t come close to dropping a set in each of her first two matches in Queens. The 28-year-old is also looking to win what would be her third consecutive US Open title this month, and as a two-time defending champion, media appearances and brand opportunities are a part of the experience.

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Sabalenka took down American Amanda Anisimova in straight sets at the 2025 U.S. Open final, and accomplished the same against American Jessica Pegula the year prior. The Miami, Florida, resident has been atop the women’s ATP rankings since October 2024.