Politics · Singapore Bureau
Sabalenka dismisses party talk after commanding U.S. Open victory
Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open with a dominant 6-1 6-1 win over Polina Iatcenko on Wednesday, but pushed back against suggestions that her time in New York has been filled with social engagements.
LSN Singapore ·
The Belarusian tennis star's straight-sets victory over Iatcenko was never in doubt, with Sabalenka controlling play from start to finish at Flushing Meadows. However, when questioned about the various events and appearances surrounding the Grand Slam tournament, Sabalenka expressed frustration with the characterization of her schedule as centered on "parties and fun."
Sabalenka's response underscored her focus on competition rather than the social calendar that often accompanies major tennis tournaments. The 25-year-old has established herself as one of the sport's dominant forces, and her clinical performance against Iatcenko demonstrated the form that has made her a formidable opponent this season.
The victory moves Sabalenka into the third round, where she will face another test in her bid for a third consecutive U.S. Open title. Her dismissal of the party talk suggests she remains laser-focused on defending her crown in New York, treating the tournament's off-court elements as distractions from her primary objective.