ANGRY Aryna Sabalenka snapped at a reporter over a question during her US Open press conference – and insisted she did not spend her preparation partying.
The Belarusian star, 28, is aiming to win a hat-trick of US Open titles in New York after her 2024 and 2025 successes.
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She also desperately wants to cling on to her world No1 ranking with Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula all able to snatch it if results go their way.
Sabalenka arrived at Flushing Meadows without reaching a final since March and suffered shock early defeats in both Toronto and Cincinnati ahead of the final major of the year.
But after booking her spot in round three with an emphatic 6-1 6-1 win over Polina Iatcenko – again wearing her eye-catching mesh Nike dress – she hit back at what she perceived as criticism from an award-winning journalist.
Tennis reporter Matthew Futterman asked: “How are you finding your mood now that the tournament has started?
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“Obviously last week, it’s lots of parties and fun and stuff like that…”
But as he said his question, iritated Sabalenka reacted theatrically and Futterman stopped.
She then fumed: “You guys are like a joke. Parties, fun…
“Why would you even say that?
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“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 that I’ve been partying?”
The journalist backtracked on the partying element – although Sabalenka attended various events last week – and replied: “I’m not suggesting you were partying.
“I’m saying there are a lot of events and things like that.
“I’m not saying you go to the parties.”
But Sabalenka hit back: “You literally said that.”
Then Futterman defended himself in the room, adding: “Excuse me?
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“For everyone who’s unclear, I’m not suggesting that Aryna is having fun at these parties.
“I’m saying she makes a lot of appearances and there’s a lot to do.”
But sarcastic Sabalenka responded with an unconvinced “hmmm okay” before Futterman tried to ask his question again.
He asked: “Now that the tournaments started, do you find you’re getting quite serious and combative?”
And clearly unwilling to give anything more than a short, curt answer, the four-time Grand Slam winner replied ironically: “Oh yeah, I wasn’t serious before that.
“Next question. Think before you say stuff.”
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The frosty exchange came a few days after Sabalenka had a spikey clash with another reporter earlier in the week regarding her pre-tournament commitments and events.
But she insisted they have no impact on her tennis schedule – instead, they actually help her switch off from her work and give her a different source of energy ahead of the big fortnight.