Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Johanna Konta Defends Sabalenka After Press Conference Exchange
Aryna Sabalenka was asked about parties and other activities she showed on social media before the US Open.
She became upset because she felt the question suggested she had not been working hard.
Sabalenka said some of the activities were commitments connected to brands.
Former player Johanna Konta supported Sabalenka.
Konta said people should not assume they know everything an athlete does from social media.
She also said the question sounded a little antagonistic.
Sabalenka then won her second-round match against Iatcenko quickly.
The win continued her long winning streak at the US Open.
Aryna Sabalenka criticized a reporter’s question about her pre-US Open activities and social-media posts.
Sabalenka said brand-related activities did not mean she had been partying before the tournament.
Johanna Konta said the question was somewhat antagonistic and defended Sabalenka’s response.
Sabalenka defeated Iatcenko in 54 minutes, hitting 24 winners and converting six of eight break points.
The victory extended Sabalenka’s US Open winning streak to 15 matches and her Grand Slam second-round streak to 22.
- Who
- Aryna Sabalenka, former British player Johanna Konta, and a reporter were involved in the exchange; Sabalenka also played Iatcenko.
- What
- Konta defended Sabalenka after Sabalenka objected to a reporter’s questions about her pre-tournament activities.
- When
- The exchange occurred after Sabalenka’s second-round win at the US Open.
- Where
- At the US Open press conference.
- Why
- Sabalenka objected to the suggestion that social-media posts about brand activities showed she had been partying instead of preparing.
Sabalenka and Konta’s View
Questioning Perspective
Pre-tournament activities
Sabalenka and Konta’s View
Sabalenka said brand-related social-media posts did not prove she had been partying, and Konta said athletes have off-court commitments while still doing the work required for success.
Questioning Perspective
The reporter asked Sabalenka how she was feeling after a week involving parties, fun, and other activities, framing the question around her visible pre-tournament activity.
Sabalenka’s response
Sabalenka and Konta’s View
Konta said there was nothing wrong with Sabalenka explaining herself or standing up for herself, and described the question as slightly antagonistic.
Questioning Perspective
The exchange attracted substantial attention after Sabalenka sharply criticized the question during her press conference.
- Player
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Supporter
- Johanna Konta
- Tournament
- US Open
- Match duration
- 54 minutes
- Match statistics
- 24 winners and six converted break points from eight opportunities
- US Open winning streak
- 15 matches
- Grand Slam second-round streak
- 22 straight wins