Aryna Sabalenka Blows Up at US Open Reporter Over ‘Partying’ Question

• Aryna Sabalenka told a reporter to “think before you say stuff” after a tense exchange at the US Open podium
• Sabalenka was asked about the “parties” and “fun” she’s been having before the tournament began

• “Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I’ve been partying, not training?” Sabalenka asked after her second round win on Wednesday, Sept. 2

Aryna Sabalenka told a reporter to “think before you say stuff” after a tense exchange at the US Open podium

Sabalenka was asked about the “parties” and “fun” she’s been having before the tournament began

“Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I’ve been partying, not training?” Sabalenka asked after her second round win on Wednesday, Sept. 2

Aryna Sabalenka didn’t appreciate one reporter’s question after her second round win in the US Open.

After Sabalenka, 28, defeated Polina Iatcenko at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 2, the tennis star was asked how her “mood” is “now that the tournament has started.” The reporter added, “Obviously, last week it’s lost of parties and fun.”

Sabalenka responded, “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?”

The world’s No. 1 player added, “Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I’ve been partying, not training?”

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Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open on Sept. 2, 2026
Credit: Robert Prange/Getty

The reporter tried to clarify that they were “not suggesting that you’re partying,” but Sabalenka clapped back, “You literally said that.”

The exchange grew more tense when Sabalenka said, “next question” and the reporter again attempted to clarify. “For everyone who is unclear, I’m not suggesting that Aryna is having fun at these parties,” he said, to which Sabalenka said, “Thanks, yeah,” and brushed it off.

“I’m saying that she makes a lot of appearances and there’s a lot to do and lots of events, okay?,” the reporter continued.

“Okay, move on,” Sabalenka responded, before the reporter tried to ask his question again. “So now that the tournament has started, do you find you’re getting quite serious and combative?,” he asked.

“Oh, yeah, I wasn’t serious before that. Next question,” she said sternly, before another reporter began to ask their question. Sabalenka then turned her attention to the earlier journalist once again, telling him, “Think before you say stuff.”

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Aryna Sabalenka at the 2026 US Open
Credit: Robert Prange/Getty

Fans agreed with Sabalenka on social media. One user wrote, “Players attending sponsors events before us open is not new at all. Every top player used to attend them. Heck every tournament held players party before their event too. These journalists are trying very hard to create a narrative about her and I’m glad she’s calling them out.”

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Next, Sabalenka will face Kamilla Rakhimova in the third round on Friday, Sept. 4.

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