Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has publicly stated that tennis star Aryna Sabalenka is "dead to me" following a perceived slight regarding a pizza review invitation. Portnoy, known for his pizza reviews, detailed his past connection with the two-time defending women's U.S. Open champion during a recent rant about the tournament.
Portnoy recounted that Sabalenka had invited him to her player's box for a U.S. Open match against Coco Gauff before her rise to prominence. He then asked her to participate in a pizza review, to which she initially agreed. However, Portnoy claims Sabalenka later became distant, associating with hospitality entrepreneur David Grutman, and subsequently "blew him off."
Despite this falling out, Portnoy showed support for Sabalenka during her U.S. Open run in 2023, betting on her matches and posting reaction videos. He even shared a photo with her in Miami months later with the caption "The Queen of Tennis @SabalenkaA." The relationship appears to have soured again due to the unfulfilled pizza review request.
Sabalenka has recently been seen attending events with Grutman, the co-owner of the LIV nightclub in Miami and a prominent figure in the hospitality industry. She was among the attendees at a DraftKings Welcome Players Party hosted by Grutman, which also featured other tennis players such as Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff, and Serena Williams.
Portnoy's comments about Sabalenka were part of a broader monologue criticizing the U.S. Open's scheduling. He specifically questioned the decision to have matches, including Ben Shelton's quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz, conclude as late as 3:30 a.m. Portnoy argued that such late finishes are detrimental to viewership and the overall fan experience, questioning the operational decisions behind starting matches at midnight or 1 a.m.
The match between Shelton and Alcaraz set a record for the latest finish at the U.S. Open hard court tournament in Queens. Late-night scheduling has been a recurring point of discussion and debate among fans and media regarding the tournament's organization.
Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals of the current U.S. Open after defeating Linda Noskova. She is scheduled to play against Jessica Pegula in her pursuit of a third consecutive title.