The world No. 1 defeated Polina Iatcenko at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 2, to advance to the third round. During her post-match press conference, a reporter asked Sabalenka about her mood now that the tournament was underway, before mentioning the parties and events that had taken place in the week leading up to the competition.
Sabalenka, 28, immediately challenged the suggestion.
"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?" she responded.
The Belarusian star then questioned why her appearances at brand events had been interpreted as evidence that she had been partying instead of preparing for the tournament.
"Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I've been partying, not training?" Sabalenka said.
The reporter attempted to clarify that he was not suggesting Sabalenka had been partying. However, she quickly pointed out that his original wording had given that impression.
"You literally said that," she replied.
After telling him to move on, the reporter explained that he was referring to Sabalenka making several appearances and attending various events before the tournament. Sabalenka again asked to move on before he eventually returned to his original question about whether she had become more serious and competitive now that the US Open had begun.
"Oh, yeah, I wasn't serious before that. Next question," Sabalenka responded.
Before another journalist could continue, Sabalenka turned back to the reporter and offered one final comment.
"Think before you say stuff," she told him.
The exchange quickly sparked discussion among tennis fans on social media, with several users defending Sabalenka and arguing that top players regularly attend sponsor events and other engagements before major tournaments.
Sabalenka now turns her attention back to her title campaign. She will face Kamilla Rakhimova in the third round on Friday, Sept. 4, as she continues her bid for another deep run at Flushing Meadows.
