World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka Fires Back at Athletic Reporter Over ‘Parties’ Question
Aryna Sabalenka had just crushed her way into the third round of the US Open. Instead of talking about her dominant performance, the world No. 1 found herself defending how she spent the days before the tournament.
The two-time defending champion defeated Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in only 53 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The win also extended Sabalenka’s US Open winning streak to 16 matches.
But Matthew Futterman, a sportswriter for The Athletic, chose to focus on the sponsor events and public appearances surrounding the tournament.
“How are you finding your mood now that the tournament has started?” Futterman asked. “Obviously last week it’s lots of parties and fun and stuff like that.”
Sabalenka clearly did not appreciate the suggestion that her sponsor appearances meant she had been out partying instead of preparing. She responded immediately.
“You guys are, like, a joke. Parties, fun. Why would you even say that? Why would you even think about that?” Sabalenka said.
She then pointed out that posting photos from brand activities does not show what happens during the rest of an athlete’s day. Her question was direct.
“Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I’ve been partying, not training?”
Futterman tried to clarify his question. He said he was referring to the number of events around the tournament, not accusing Sabalenka of attending parties.
“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.”
Sabalenka was not convinced by the explanation.
“You literally said that,” Sabalenka responded before asking for the next question.
When Futterman continued by saying he was not “suggesting that Aryna is having fun at these parties,” Sabalenka cut the exchange short.
“OK. Move on.”
He then asked whether she had become more “serious and combative” now that the tournament had started. Sabalenka answered with sarcasm.
“Oh yeah, I wasn’t serious before that,” she said. Then came one final warning: “Next question. Think before you say stuff.”
Sabalenka’s performance on the court left little room for debate. She handled Iatcenko in straight sets, kept her title defense moving, and made clear that sponsor appearances should not be confused with a lack of preparation.