Patrick Mouratoglou has reflected on an uncomfortable exchange involving Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open, admitting that he could sense the world No. 1 was not enjoying the question. The former coach of Serena Williams was discussing an interaction from earlier in the tournament when a reporter asked Sabalenka about the packed schedule of events surrounding her before the Grand Slam.
The question came after Sabalenka's first-round victory over Camila Osorio, when she was asked how she could balance the demands of defending her US Open title with the numerous activities taking place around her in New York.
The reporter was essentially asking whether such a busy schedule could leave the world No. 1 without enough energy for the tournament.
Sabalenka appeared surprised by the premise and asked the reporter to clarify the question. She then explained that the activities away from the court were not something she considered a distraction from tennis, instead describing them as part of her routine and something she genuinely enjoys.
Mouratoglou reacts to Sabalenka's exchange
Mouratoglou said that reporters can become nervous when asking Sabalenka something she might not want to hear, even though viewers could not see her reaction during the exchange.
“I feel that when people ask questions to Sabalenka that she might not like, you can feel that they're scared," Mouratoglou said in a video posted on his social media. "We didn't see her, but I can bet everything that the girl started to sweat.”
He then defended the reporter's decision to ask about Sabalenka's schedule, pointing out that the period before a Grand Slam is already demanding enough without additional commitments. At the same time, he argued that different players can respond to that workload in completely different ways.
“I was not surprised by the question because I think it's fair to ask how they organize their days, especially coming to a Grand Slam. So I think it's fair. I think the answer of Sabalenka is fair as well. The week before the Grand Slam is packed like crazy. Everybody is different. It's draining for some others and for some others, not.”
Sabalenka's answer was much simpler. Rather than seeing her off-court activities as something taking energy away from her tennis, she said they have the opposite effect. “I have fun. It's like my hobby outside of my tennis schedule, and it actually gives me so much energy.”
Mouratoglou ultimately agreed with that assessment, suggesting that Sabalenka's personality makes her approach different from that of other players. “I'm sure that Sabalenka loves it. So for her, it's almost a boost. For some others, it's tough.”
This reporter got absolutely roasted by Aryna Sabalenka for asking a stupid question and I love it. 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/o1J0EP6Dzd
— Danny Bennett (@RealDannyB) September 3, 2026
Sabalenka has backed it up on court
Sabalenka's results in New York have since provided the strongest argument in favour of her approach. The defending champion continued through the draw and reached the semifinals after defeating Linda Noskova in a three-set quarterfinal, keeping alive her bid for a third consecutive US Open title.
Her run has also come despite the pressure surrounding her position at the top of the rankings and the expectations attached to another title defence. Rather than appearing drained by the attention around her, Sabalenka has continued to produce the level required to reach the final stages of the tournament.
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She then defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 to reach her fourth consecutive US Open final. Sabalenka has now won 20 consecutive matches at the US Open and 26 of her last 27 at Flushing Meadows, reaching her fourth straight final in New York. The defending champion's busy week has therefore not stopped her from producing another dominant run, leaving her just one match away from a third consecutive title and a fifth Grand Slam trophy overall.
Only Elena Rybakina stands between Sabalenka and another US Open crown on Saturday. The Kazakh will leave New York as the new world No. 1 regardless of the result, but Sabalenka can still take a significant consolation prize by winning her fifth major — and hand Rybakina a bitter start to her reign at the top of the rankings.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
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- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
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- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
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