Aryna Sabalenka texted US Open reporter after snapping at him in press conference

Aryna Sabalenka texted a reporter to apologize for her frosty reaction to a question that landed poorly at the US Open.

Sabalenka has been in a particularly feisty mood since arriving in New York City ahead of her attempt to claim a third successive US Open title. The world No. 1 insisted she didn't care what critics had to say about the bold black-and-orange Nike outfit she sported while teaming up with Novak Djokovic in a mixed doubles match ahead of the start of the main draw.

Then, on Monday, the Belarusian clashed with reporter Matt Futterman, who asked about the balance between pre-tournament festivities given her focus on the pursuit of another Grand Slam title.

“What is the question there?” the 28-year-old fired back before adding: “Why do you think I wasn't focused on tennis?”

“I'm sort of curious, 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. Are you...” Futterman began.

But before the reporter could finish the question, Sabalenka interjected with a sigh of exasperation while making it abundantly clear she didn't appreciate the question.

“You guys are, like, a joke,” the four-time Grand Slam winner said. “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 reporter attempted to explain that he didn't mean to say that Sabalenka was partying before the US Open, instead trying to outline how top tennis stars have many events to attend before the tournament due to their sponsorship deals.

“You literally said that,” Sabalenka said, referring to how the reporter said “parties.” She added: “Next question.”

The reporter insisted he wasn’t accusing the defending champion of anything, but the Belarusian was tired of the exchange, looking at the reporter and telling him to “move on.” The moderator did indeed move on to the next question, but as it was being asked, Sabalenka had one more thing to say to the reporter she had been arguing with: "Think before you say stuff.”

After the exchange, Futterman responded to a post on X that Sabalenka “cooked” him in the press conference, referring to their exchange. He posted: “She and her agent actually texted me to apologize, which I appreciated.”

Ultimately, fans on social media continued to clash with Futterman, highlighting that his phrasing in particular was poor. “You dont deserve an apology. You basically called her a party girl who does not take tennis seriously. If anything, you should be on your knees begging for forgiveness,” one user wrote.

“Maybe your intentions were good but your phrasing was awful. Questions like that need to be delivered in a more articulate way than ‘last week lots of partying,’” another wrote.