Konta backs Sabalenka: 'Nothing wrong with standing up for yourself'
Synopsis
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka didn't just win her second-round US Open match in 54 minutes — she also delivered a sharp rebuke to a journalist who conflated her brand appearances with partying. Johanna Konta's defence cuts to the core of a double standard: elite athletes, especially women, routinely face questions about off-court image that their results have long since answered.
Key Takeaways
Johanna Konta defended Aryna Sabalenka after the world No.
1 confronted a reporter at the US Open press conference.
The reporter asked Sabalenka about 'parties and fun' in the week before the tournament, referencing her social media brand appearances.
Sabalenka dismissed the question publicly, calling it a 'joke' and clarifying the posts were brand obligations, not partying.
Konta told Eurosport the question was 'slightly antagonistic' and that Sabalenka's priorities are 'in check'.
Sabalenka beat Iatcenko in 54 minutes , hitting 24 winners and converting 6 of 8 break points, extending her US Open winning streak to 15 matches .
She is chasing a third consecutive US Open singles title .
Former British No. 1 Johanna Konta has come out in defence of world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka after the Belarusian star confronted a reporter at the US Open who questioned her pre-tournament activities. The exchange, which took place during a post-match press conference following Sabalenka's second-round victory, quickly drew global attention and sparked a wider debate about media conduct toward elite athletes.
What Sparked the Confrontation
After advancing past her second-round opponent Iatcenko in just 54 minutes, Sabalenka was asked by a journalist: 'How are you finding your mood now that the tournament has started? Obviously, last week it's lots of parties and fun and stuff like that.' The question, referencing her social media appearances with brand partners, visibly irked the champion.
Sabalenka pushed back sharply at the press conference. 'You guys are like a joke. Parties? Fun? Why would you even say that? Why would you even think about that? Like, what kind of question is that? Just because I posted some activities with brands and you think that I've been partying?' she said, not holding back her frustration.
Konta Defends Sabalenka's Response
Speaking to Eurosport, Konta offered a measured but firm defence of the two-time US Open champion. 'I think this is the perfect example of don't always believe what you see on social media,' she said. '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.'
Konta also acknowledged the press dynamic at play. '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,' she added.
Sabalenka's Form on Court
On the court, Sabalenka has been imperious. Against Iatcenko, she struck 24 winners and converted six of her eight break-point opportunities in a dominant display. The victory extended her US Open winning streak to 15 matches, and she has now won 22 consecutive second-round matches in Grand Slam events — a testament to the consistency Konta says is built on rigorous off-court discipline as much as on-court talent.
Sabalenka is chasing a third straight US Open singles title, a feat that would cement her status among the sport's all-time hardcourt greats.
Konta on Athlete Commitments and Accountability
Konta was unequivocal in her final assessment. '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,' she said. '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.'
The episode has reignited the perennial conversation around how the media engages with top-ranked athletes — particularly women — on questions that critics argue would rarely be directed at male counterparts. With Sabalenka still firmly in contention for the title, the focus is set to return swiftly to her tennis.
Point of View
In fact, a contractual obligation. Sabalenka's brand appearances are revenue streams that fund the very professionalism being questioned. Konta is right to note the antagonistic framing, but the broader pattern — female champions being asked about their social lives moments after dominant victories — reflects a media culture that has not kept pace with the sport's own evolution. If Sabalenka wins a third straight US Open, this episode will be a footnote; if she stumbles, expect the press conference clip to resurface as 'evidence'.
NationPress
4 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Aryna Sabalenka confront a reporter at the US Open?
Sabalenka pushed back after a journalist asked whether her mood had been affected by 'lots of parties and fun' in the week before the US Open, referencing her social media posts with brand partners. She clarified the posts were commercial obligations, not evidence of partying, and called the question a 'joke'.
What did Johanna Konta say in defence of Sabalenka?
Konta told Eurosport that Sabalenka's social media appearances reflected brand commitments, not a lack of preparation, and that a successful athlete of her calibre would undoubtedly be putting in the necessary work. She also acknowledged the question was 'slightly antagonistic' and said there was nothing wrong with Sabalenka standing up for herself.
How is Sabalenka performing at the US Open?
Sabalenka has been dominant, defeating Iatcenko in 54 minutes with 24 winners and converting six of eight break points. The win extended her US Open winning streak to 15 matches and her run of consecutive second-round Grand Slam wins to 22.
What title is Sabalenka chasing at this US Open?
Sabalenka is aiming for a third consecutive US Open singles title, which would make her one of the most successful hardcourt players in the modern era of women's tennis.
Why does the media scrutiny of Sabalenka matter beyond tennis?
The episode has renewed debate about how elite female athletes are questioned about off-court behaviour in ways critics argue are rarely applied to male counterparts. Konta's comments highlight that brand commitments are a standard part of professional sport, not a distraction from it.
