US Open: Aryna Sabalenka hits back at party line of questioning after latest win at Flushing Meadows

Aryna Sabalenka cut short questions about her pre-tournament activities in an excruciating exchange with a reporter following her second-round win.

The two-time defending champion thrashed Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1 6-1 in 53 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Belarusian, who had faced a similar line of questioning ​after her first-round win, fired back that her off-court appearances had not come at the expense of her preparations ​for the Grand Slam.

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Sabalenka - a regular poster on social media at the various events she attends and with the brands she works with - replied: "You guys are, like, a joke.

"Parties, fun. Like, why would you even say that? Why would you even think about that? What kind of question is that?

"Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I've been partying, not training? The question, like, what is that?"

When the reporter responded: "I'm saying that there are a lot of events and things like that. I'm not saying you go to the parties," Sabalenka interrupted: "You literally said that. Next question."

The reporter replied: "For everyone who is unclear, I'm not suggesting that Aryna is having fun at these parties."

"Thanks, yeah," came the response.

"I'm saying that she makes a lot of appearances and there's a lot to do and lots of events, OK?" said the reporter.

"OK. Move on," replied Sabalenka.

She was then asked: "So, now that the tournament has started, do you find you're getting quite serious and combative?"

Sabalanka replied: "Oh, yeah, I wasn't serious before that. Next question. Think before you say stuff."

The world No 1, seeking a third straight ​title in New York to ‌emulate Serena Williams and Chris Evert, faces Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday looking for a 17th consecutive win at Flushing Meadows.

Alcaraz makes US Open third round

Carlos Alcaraz's comeback ‌from a long wrist injury layoff gathered momentum as ‌he came from behind to outclass Portugal's Jaime Faria ​4-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 and reach the third round.

The defending champion rebounded from a quick deficit by winning eight straight games and beat Faria.

"After that I just tried to be focused, tried to stay calm and I'm thinking that good things are going to happen again," said Alcaraz, who is on a 16-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments.

Peruvian Ignacio Buse added a new chapter to ‌his family's US Open story as he came through a five-setter to ‌earn a maiden victory and follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, ​who last won a match at the tournament in 1958.

The 32nd seed beat American Marcos Giron ​3-6 6-3 6-3 6-7(6) 6-1 after three hours ‌and 48 minutes on Court Six, finishing off the match with a backhand ​volley to spark loud cheers from his team and fans in the stands.

"It's difficult to find the calm in those ​situations, but in the fifth set, I just ⁠tried to recover mentally," Ignacio ⁠said.

"It's a mental battle out there. I just stayed calm. It's a very special moment."

Stefanos Tsitsipas survived a battle ​against South Africa's Lloyd Harris, recovering from a set down to clinch a 6-7 (1-7) 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 victory. The Greek player, who stunned 10th seed Arthur Fils in the first round, next faces Czech 18th seed Jiri Lehecka.

American 11th seed Frances Tiafoe beat Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto ‌6-3 7-6 (7-2) 7-5, keeping alive the country's hopes of ending a 23-year wait for a home men's champion in New York.

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