‘You guys are like a joke’: Aryna Sabalenka fires back at reporter on ‘party’ talk in tense US Open press conference | Tennis News

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka cut short a reporter’s question during her post-match press conference after being asked whether the events and brand appearances before the US Open had involved “parties and fun.“The exchange came after the defending champion Sabalenka’s 6-1, 6-1 win over Polina Iatcenko in the second round on Wednesday. It was the second straight press conference in which she was asked about her activities before the tournament.The defending champion rejected the suggestion that her off-court appearances had affected 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.“Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I’ve been partying, not training?” she added before ending the exchange.After the discussion moved back to tennis, Sabalenka said she was happy with her performance and the way she has approached matches.“I’ve been working really hard, but I feel like I’m kind of moving away from trying to be perfect on court,” Sabalenka said. “I know that you cannot be perfect, and I’m just trying to work with what I have right now.”The Belarusian is chasing a third straight US Open title while also looking to avoid finishing the year without a Grand Slam title. Her last title came at the Miami Open in March.Sabalenka admitted she went through a difficult period during the middle of the season but believes she has recovered both mentally and physically.“I think I struggled a little bit in the middle of the season. Once again, I’m not going to defend myself or explain why, what happened, but I’m happy with my level,” the 28-year-old said.“I can definitely say that mentally I’m way stronger than I was in the middle of the season, and physically I also feel stronger. I feel like I’m on my level of play, and I just want to bring the right focus on the match every time.”