Aryna Sabalenka cut short questions about her pre-tournament activities in an excruciating exchange with a reporter following her second-round win at the US Open.
The two-time defending champion thrashed Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1 6-1 in 53 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
But for the second press conference running, Sabalenka got extremely chippy when it was suggested her pre-tournament week consisted of going to parties.
The Belarussian – a regular poster on social media at the various events she attends and with the brands she works with – replied: “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?
“Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I’ve been partying, not training? The question, like, what is that?”
When the reporter responded: “I’m saying that there are a lot of events and things like that. I’m not saying you go to the parties,” Sabalenka interrupted: “You literally said that. Next question.”
The reporter replied: “For everyone who is unclear, I’m not suggesting that Aryna is having fun at these parties.”
“Thanks, yeah,” came the response.
“I’m saying that she makes a lot of appearances and there’s a lot to do and lots of events, OK?” said the reporter.
“OK. Move on,” replied Sabalenka.
She was then asked: “So, now that the tournament has started, do you find you’re getting quite serious and combative?”
Sabalanka replied: “Oh, yeah, I wasn’t serious before that. Next question. Think before you say stuff.”
The world number one faces Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday looking for a 17th consecutive win at Flushing Meadows.