‘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 reduce brief a reporter’s query throughout her post-match press convention after being requested whether or not the occasions and model appearances earlier than the US Open had concerned “events and enjoyable.“The trade got here after the defending champion Sabalenka’s 6-1, 6-1 win over Polina Iatcenko within the second spherical on Wednesday. It was the second straight press convention wherein she was requested about her actions earlier than the event.The defending champion rejected the suggestion that her off-court appearances had affected her preparation.“You guys are, like, a joke. Events, enjoyable… like, why would you even say that? Why would you even take into consideration that? What sort of query is that?” Sabalenka stated.“Simply because I posted, like, some actions with manufacturers, and also you suppose that I have been partying, not coaching?” she added earlier than ending the trade.After the dialogue moved again to tennis, Sabalenka stated she was pleased along with her efficiency and the best way she has approached matches.“I have been working actually onerous, however I really feel like I am sort of transferring away from making an attempt to be excellent on courtroom,” Sabalenka stated. “I do know that you simply can’t be excellent, and I am simply making an attempt to work with what I’ve proper now.”The Belarusian is chasing a 3rd straight US Open title whereas additionally trying to keep away from ending the 12 months with no Grand Slam title. Her final title got here on the Miami Open in March.Sabalenka admitted she went by a troublesome interval in the course of the center of the season however believes she has recovered each mentally and bodily.“I feel I struggled slightly bit in the midst of the season. As soon as once more, I am not going to defend myself or clarify why, what occurred, however I am pleased with my degree,” the 28-year-old stated.“I can undoubtedly say that mentally I am approach stronger than I used to be in the midst of the season, and bodily I additionally really feel stronger. I really feel like I am on my degree of play, and I simply need to deliver the proper give attention to the match each time.”