Sabalenka rejects party narrative after dominant second-round win

Aryna Sabalenka had a sharp response when a reporter described the events surrounding the U.S. Open as involving “parties and fun.” After beating Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1, the double defending champion rejected the suggestion that her off-court appearances had come at the expense of 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?” Sabalenka said. She added that posting activities with brands did not mean she had been partying instead of training, then ended the exchange.

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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?

On court, the world number one said she was pleased with both her performance and her focus at Arthur Ashe Stadium. “I've been working really hard, but I feel like I'm kind of moving away from trying to be perfect on court,” she said. “I know that you cannot be perfect, and I'm just trying to work with what I have right now.”

Sabalenka is pursuing a third straight U.S. Open title and trying to avoid finishing the year without a major championship. She said she had struggled during the middle of the season but felt mentally and physically stronger now. Her last title came at the Miami Open in March.

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I've been working really hard, but I feel like I'm kind of moving away from trying to be perfect on court. I know that you cannot be perfect, and I'm just trying to work with what I have right now.