Tennis player Aryna Sabalenka and her agent apologized via text message to a reporter after a heated exchange during a US Open press conference, according to the reporter involved.
Sabalenka, who is aiming for a third consecutive US Open title, became confrontational after her second-round win over Polina Iatcenko when reporter Matthew Futterman of The Athletic questioned her about her sponsor obligations and events in New York leading up to the tournament. Futterman had asked about her "mood" now that the tournament had started, referencing "lots of parties and fun and stuff like that."
Sabalenka responded by calling the questions "a joke" and asking why Futterman would assume she had been partying simply because she attended brand events. Futterman clarified that he was not suggesting she was having fun at these events but noted she had many appearances to make.
Despite the clarification, Sabalenka insisted Futterman "move on" and stated she was "not serious before that." As the next reporter began their question, she added, "Think before you say stuff."
In response to a social media user who commented on his article about Sabalenka's tournament bid, Futterman claimed, "She and her agent actually texted me to apologize, which I appreciated."
This was not the only instance of Sabalenka expressing frustration over questions regarding her off-court commitments. After her first-round match, she questioned why it was assumed she was not focused on tennis in the week prior to the tournament. She explained that her schedule and brand commitments are planned around tennis and that she carefully chooses her brand partners. Sabalenka stated that these activities are like a hobby outside of her tennis schedule and that she "has fun" and gains energy from them.
Sabalenka is seeking to become the first woman in 12 years, since Serena Williams, to win three consecutive US Open women's singles championships. She was scheduled to play Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday.