"The press feel like they can get a reaction out of her": Aryna Sabalenka was right to call out 'antagonistic' questioning says Johanna Konta
WTAThursday, 03 September 2026 at 22:00
Aryna Sabalenka is through at the US Open, but instead of headlines against Polina Iatchenko for her win, it was more to do with her snapping at reporters for questioning.
Sabalenka was asked about why she had lots of parties and fun stuff in the lead-up to the US Open. As one of the most marketable athletes in the WTA, she has a lot of sponsorship commitments and she hit out at being asked about it.
She snapped at the reporter and asked why the perception is that she was partying over training. "You guys are like a joke. Parties, fun. Like why would you even say that? Why would you even think about that? Like what kind of question is that?" said Sabalenka.
"Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I've been partying, not training?"
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Konta praises Sabalenka amid bait from journalists
Now Johanna Konta has come to Sabalenka's defence and said it is why social media in theory shouldn't be believed and that she will have obligations and isn't the entirety of what she is doing.
She also said that in her view certain journalists will go into the press conference in order to garner a reaction and to bait players like Sabalenka for quotes and that is wrong in itself and so she thinks it is merely Sabalenka standing up for herself over anything else.
"I think this is the perfect example of don't always believe what you see on social media," Konta told Eurosport.
"I think Aryna will have obligations to the brand that she works with. There is no doubt that an athlete, and a successful athlete like Aryna Sabalenka, is putting the necessary work in to be as successful as she is.
Sabalenka through.
"What I find most interesting about press conferences, and from my experience with press conferences - I've had my moments with them - you've got to realise that going into a press conference, the journalists have generally written the vast majority of their article before even coming into their room.
"A lot of them are just looking for headlines, will be looking to get a reaction from you.
"And, to be fair, from her point of view, I do think the question was slightly antagonistic in a way, but I think it's because the press feel like they can get a reaction out of her."
"I don't think there's anything wrong with her explaining herself, or even her standing up for herself in that way, but yes, it definitely does get everyone talking," Konta added.
"I have no doubt that Aryna Sabalenka's priorities are in check, because that's what professional athletes do. There are commitments off court, but those commitments off court wouldn't exist without her on-court results."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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