US Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka hits back at reporter
World number one Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the US Open 2026 third round in 53 minutes, but clashed with a reporter post-match.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Aryna Sabalenka defeated Polina Iatcenko 6-1 6-1 in just 53 minutes in the US Open 2026 second round.
- The top seed had a spiky exchange with a journalist during her post-match news conference over party rumors.
- The dominant victory boosts her confidence as she chases a rare three-peat of US Open titles.
- Elena Rybakina remains a major threat to Sabalenka's world number one ranking in New York.
Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka secured one of the fastest Grand Slam victories of her career by dismantling US Open debutant Polina Iatcenko 6-1 6-1 in the second round of the 2026 tournament, spending a mere 53 minutes on court.
Despite completely overpowering her 22-year-old qualifier opponent—hitting 24 winners compared to Iatcenko's three—the world number one cut an unhappy figure on court and subsequently engaged in a tense back-and-forth with a reporter during her post-match media session.
"What kind of question is that?"
Aryna Sabalenka
The 28-year-old Belarusian took severe offense to what she interpreted as an insinuation from a journalist regarding her attending numerous parties in the lead-up to the final Grand Slam of the season, a period where she has been working hard to bounce back from a dip in form over the past five months.
Sabalenka's defense of her title in New York carries immense ranking weight, as she must lift the trophy again to fend off Elena Rybakina's pursuit of the top spot. This comes after a turbulent season where an exceptional start—including an Australian Open final and back-to-back Sunshine Double titles—was followed by a 17-7 win-loss record heading into the tournament.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
For Iatcenko, the match was a steep learning curve after showing heavy nerves on the biggest stage of her career. Although she managed to get on the scoreboard in the first set and took a bathroom break for a mental reset, Sabalenka's relentless pace proved insurmountable. The Russian qualifier departs New York with a massive $190,000 paycheck to reinvest in her future, adding significantly to her previous career earnings of $300,000 (£220,000).
Elsewhere in the women's draw on Wednesday, third seed Jessica Pegula and fourth seed Coco Gauff both secured straight-set victories, keeping alive their respective mathematical chances of unseating Sabalenka as world number one by the end of the fortnight.
Source: BBC Sport
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