World number one Aryna Sabalenka sharply rebuked a reporter at the US Open after being asked about partying following her straight-sets win over Polina Iatcenko, which sent her into the third round. The exchange occurred during her post-match press conference, when the tennis star interpreted the question as implying she had been prioritising socialising over training, calling it "a joke" and telling the media room to "think before you say stuff." The incident briefly shifted attention away from her strong start to the tournament.

The reporter attempted to clarify that the question referred to brand and sponsor events rather than an accusation of partying, but Sabalenka dismissed the explanation sarcastically before moving on. She had posted three pieces of branded content on Instagram since arriving in New York, though this had not affected her form, having dropped no sets in her first two matches. The 28-year-old, who has held the world number one ranking since October 2024, is chasing a third consecutive US Open title after beating Amanda Anisimova in the 2025 final and Jessica Pegula the year before.