Aryna Sabalenka’s tense exchanges with reporters have caused quite a stir at this year’s US Open.

The world number one fielded several questions about her off-court commitments, and one reporter even asked her about the ‘parties’ she attended before the US Open.

Sabalenka shut down any suggestions that she wasn’t focused, seemingly growing tired of the narrative.

Serena Williams’ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, has now delivered his verdict on Sabalenka’s relationship with the media.

Patrick Mouratoglou says reporters are ‘scared’ to ask Aryna Sabalenka certain questions

Mouratoglou said the following on Instagram.

“I feel that when people ask questions to [Aryna] Sabalenka that she might not like, you can feel that they’re scared,” said Mouratoglou.

“We didn’t see him, but I can bet everything that the guy started to sweat!

Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

“I was not surprised by the question, because I think it’s fair to ask how they organise their days, especially coming into a Grand Slam. So I think it’s fair.

“I think the answer of Sabalenka is fair as well.

“The week before a Grand Slam is packed like crazy. Everybody is different. For some players, it’s draining, and for others, it’s not.

“And I’m sure that Sabalenka loves it. So for her, it’s almost a boost. For some others, it’s tough.”

Sabalenka answered any questions about her focus with an impressive run through to the US Open semi-finals.

Aryna Sabalenka at the 2026 US Open

  • 1R [WIN] vs Camila Osorio, 6-2, 6-4
  • 2R [WIN] vs Polina Iatcenko, 6-1, 6-1
  • 3R [WIN] vs Kamilla Rakhimova, 6-3, 6-4
  • 4R [WIN] vs Taylor Townsend, 6-4, 6-3
  • QF [WIN] vs Linda Noskova, 7-6, 3-6, 7-6

She will now prepare to play one of her biggest rivals, Jessica Pegula.

History tells us Aryna Sabalenka will reach the US Open final

Sabalenka has a convincing 9-4 lead in her head-to-head with Pegula.

She’s also won her two meetings with Pegula in New York.

Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula’s head-to-head record (9-4)

MatchWinnerLoserScore2026 Berlin Open – SFJessica PegulaAryna Sabalenka6-4, 6-7, 6-02025 WTA Finals – RRAryna SabalenkaJessica Pegula6-4, 2-6, 6-32025 Wuhan Open – SFJessica PegulaAryna Sabalenka2-6, 6-4, 7-62025 US Open – SFAryna SabalenkaJessica Pegula4-6, 6-3, 6-42025 Miami Open – FAryna SabalenkaJessica Pegula7-5, 6-22024 US Open – FAryna SabalenkaJessica Pegula7-5, 7-52024 Cincinnati Open – FAryna SabalenkaJessica Pegula6-3, 7-52023 WTA Finals – RRJessica PegulaAryna Sabalenka6-4, 6-32022 WTA Finals – RRAryna SabalenkaJessica Pegula6-3, 7-52022 Italian Open – 3RAryna SabalenkaJessica Pegula6-1, 6-42021 Madrid Open – 3RAryna SabalenkaJessica Pegula6-1, 6-22020 French Open – 1RAryna SabalenkaJessica Pegula6-3, 6-12020 Cincinnati Open – 3RJessica PegulaAryna Sabalenka6-2, 2-6, 6-3Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula’s head-to-head record

She beat Pegula to win the 2024 US Open title and won again in last year’s semi-final.

Bidding for a third consecutive US Open win in 2026, Sabalenka will relish the opportunity to defeat Pegula once more.

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

Many fans expect Sabalenka to reach the final, but far fewer back her to win the title.

We asked our fans to predict the US Open winner on TalkingPoints, and Sabalenka was only the third favourite.

TalkingPoints vote share – 2026 US Open winner

  • Coco Gauff – 39.75%
  • Elena Rybakina – 33.12%
  • Aryna Sabalenka – 17.98%
  • Jessica Pegula – 9.15%

It seems crazy to say, given she is the two-time defending champion, but only time will tell if Sabalenka can prove the masses wrong and win the 2026 US Open.

Sabalenka will play Pegula in the semi-finals on Thursday, September 10.

If she wins, Sabalenka will return to take on Coco Gauff or Elena Rybakina in the final on Saturday, September 12.