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Sabalenka erupts again: "You are a joke, but what kind of question is that?"

The world number one, who continues to advance rounds in the US Open, once again showed her anger at questions that challenge her professionalism off the court.

Sabalenka erupts again: “You are a joke, what kind of question is that?” Photo: Getty Images

Aryna Sabalenka is no longer holding back. The world number one is just as explosive and charismatic both on and off the court. While she usually shows kindness towards the press and everything surrounding the world of tennis, lately she has been very annoyed with questions that challenge her professionalism off the court. The other day she responded well, but after her victory against Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1, this last time she exploded.

The question was, “How are you finding your mood now that the tournament has started? Obviously, last week there were a lot of parties and fun and things like that…”. That beginning of the question made her furious: “You are a joke. Parties. Fun. Why would you even say that? Why would you think of that? Like, what kind of question is that? Just because I posted some activities with brands and you think I was partying?”

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Aryna Sabalenka showed great anger at a journalist's question at the US Open

The journalist tried to calm things down: “I’m not suggesting you were partying… I’m saying there are many events and things like that. I’m not saying you go to the parties." But the world number one did not yield: “You literally said that.” So the journalist had no choice but to clarify his question: “For everyone who is unclear, I’m not suggesting that Aryna is partying at these events. I’m saying she makes many appearances and there’s a lot to do.”

However, the Belarusian was already fuming: “Okay, okay. Fine.” The journalist tried to regain momentum: “Now that the tournament has started, do you find yourself becoming quite serious and combative?” But he had already angered the tiger of Minsk: “Oh yes, I wasn't serious before that. Next question. Think before you say things”.

But the press conference did not only revolve around this incident. She also spoke about her form: “I’m happy with my level. I’ve been working very hard, but I feel like little by little I’m moving away from that idea of trying to be perfect on the court. I know you can’t be perfect, and I’m just trying to work with what I have right now. I’m quite happy with my level. I’m happy with my concentration. I’m glad to be able to focus on myself regardless of what happens and to maintain that concentration consistently.”

In addition, she took the opportunity to talk about the difficulties she has faced in her game during 2026. “I think I had some difficulties midway through the season. Once again, I’m not going to justify myself or explain why it happened or what occurred, but I’m happy with my level. I can clearly say that mentally I am much stronger than midway through the season and physically I also feel stronger. So I feel like I’m at my playing level and I just want to bring the right concentration to the match every time,” concluded a weary Aryna Sabalenka tired of the same old questions about her lifestyle off the court.

 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka vuelve a explotar: "Sois un chiste, ¿pero qué clase de pregunta es esa?"