Daily fluff party? Aryna Sabalenka took offense when asked about her brand activations ahead of the tournament. Chris Oddo September 2, 2020 62 minute read Aryna Sabalenka is tired of fielding questions from reporters who want to know if she’s having difficulty switching to tournament mode after a week full of sponsorship activations ahead of the US Open. Your answer? Next question. In each of her last two press conferences, the world No. 1 has answered the same question about whether she finds it difficult to shift into tournament mode after attending so many “parties” while in New York before the open. He became offended Wednesday night in the main interview room beneath Arthur Ashe Stadium and argued with a reporter. It’s a little difficult to explain so we’ll leave a fragment of the transcript and the YouTube video. Q. I’m a little curious: how are you feeling now that the tournament has started? Obviously last week there was a lot of parties and fun and things like that. Is it you? ARYNA SABALENKA: You guys are like a joke. Parties, fun… like, why would you say that? Why would you even think about that? What kind of question is that? Just because I posted some activities with brands and you think I’ve been partying and not training? Q. I’m not suggesting you party. I’m saying there are many… ARYNA SABALENKA: The question is, what is that? Q. I’m saying there are a lot of events and things like that. I’m not saying go to parties and be… ARYNA SABALENKA: You literally said that. Q. Excuse me? ARYNA SABALENKA: Next question. Q. For everyone who isn’t clear, I’m not suggesting Aryna is having fun this holiday season. ARYNA SABALENKA: Thank you, yes. Q. I’m saying she makes a lot of appearances and there’s a lot to do and a lot of events, okay? ARYNA SABALENKA: Okay. Move on. Q. Now that the tournament has started, do you think you are getting quite serious and combative? ARYNA SABALENKA: Oh yes, before that I wasn’t serious. Next question. For those who prefer to rely on the product on the court, Sabalenka has lost only eight games in two matches. Tonight she defeated Polina Iatchenko 6-1, 6-1 to extend her US Open winning streak to 15.
