Aryna Sabalenka snaps at ‘joke’ of a reporter after discussing ‘horrible’ US Open style choice

Aryna Sabalenka clashed with a reporter at the US Open after it was suggested to the defending champion that her activities around the tournament involved ‘parties and fun’.

The World No. 1 cruised past Polina Latcenko in her second-round match, with a straight-sets 6-1, 6-1 win on Wednesday.

Getty

However, she was left irritated by questions surrounding her off-court appearances in the build up to the slam, having made various sponsorship posts across social media.

Aryna Sabalenka in tense exchange with US Open reporter

“You guys are, like, a joke,” Sabalenka fired back, after being asked how her mood has shifted after ‘lots of parties and fun stuff’.

“Parties, fun… like, why would ⁠you even say that? Why would ​you ⁠even think about that? What kind of question is that?

“Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I’ve been partying, not training?”

As the reporter tried to clarify his comments, Sabalenka cut the exchange short — having already been involved in a tense exchange with reporters days earlier.

“Next question… think before you say stuff,” she raged.

Sabalenka then turned her attention to her on court efforts.

“I’ve been working really hard, but I feel like I’m kind of moving away from trying to be perfect on court,” she explained.

“I know that you cannot be perfect, and I’m just trying to work with what I have right now.”

Aryna Sabalenka details New York-inspired US Open accessories

Not only has Sabalenka’s ‘partying’ been a point of contention, she has also made headlines for a ‘horrible’ see-through outfit ahead of a shock doubles defeat alongside Novak Djokovic.

But after she secured her 15th-straight singles win at the major, she discussed her ‘beautiful’ on-court jewellery.

“It’s 100% inspired by New York,” Sabalenka said.

“It’s colorful. Bold. Fun. It’s vintage looking. Different shapes, different stones. Literally I feel like it describes New York perfectly.”

Sabalenka arrived in the Big Apple as the back-to-back defending US Open champion, and is going in search of her third-straight crown.

Victory at Flushing Meadows would see her emulate the achievements of Serena Williams and Chris Evert.

Despite dominating the tour in recent years, the 28-year-old has not won a title since March, at the Miami Open.

“I think I struggled a little bit in the middle of the season,” Sabalenka admitted.

“Once again, I’m not going to defend myself or explain why, what happened, but I’m happy with my level.

“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.”

Getty

Sabalenka will face Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova, the World No. 76, in the third round of the US Open.

Sabalenka arrived in New York as the back-to-back defending US Open champion, and is going in search of her third-straight crown.