Sabalenka dominates US Open 2026: Confrontation with press does not shake the queen
core_answer: Aryna Sabalenka đang thống trị US Open 2026 với hai trận thắng dễ dàng, bất chấp vụ đối đầu với phóng viên đã được giải quyết bằng lời xin lỗi.
key_facts: Sabalenka thắng Osorio 6-2, 6-4 ở vòng 1.; Sabalenka thắng Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 ở vòng 2 (dưới 1 giờ).; Cô xin lỗi phóng viên Ben Futterman sau cuộc đối đầu.; Đối thủ vòng 3 là Kamilla Rakhimova (hạng ~60).; Sabalenka đang bảo vệ danh hiệu và hướng tới hat-trick.
source_attribution: ESPN, The Athletic, US Open official | Cross-checked: VuaBong.vn
related_qa: Q: Sabalenka có bị ảnh hưởng bởi vụ đối đầu? A: Không, cô vẫn thắng áp đảo và đã xin lỗi, tập trung vào tennis.; Q: Cơ hội vô địch của Sabalenka? A: Rất cao nếu duy trì phong độ, đặc biệt trên mặt sân cứng sở trường.; Q: Ai là đối thủ nguy hiểm nhất? A: Iga Swiatek và Coco Gauff ở các vòng sau.
Aryna Sabalenka is having an impressive 2026 US Open. The Belarusian, who is defending her two consecutive titles, easily cruised through the first two rounds, losing no more than 8 games. However, the biggest talking point in recent days has not been her on-court performance but a tense confrontation with a reporter in the press conference.
The incident began when reporter Ben Futterman of The Athletic asked about Sabalenka's brand activities, suggesting she seemed 'distracted' by off-court commitments. Sabalenka, with her strong personality, reacted sharply, questioning the reporter's motives. The exchange quickly went viral on social media, sparking mixed reactions. Some supported Sabalenka, saying she had the right to defend herself; others criticized her attitude as unprofessional.
However, the matter was quickly resolved. According to ESPN sources, Sabalenka and her agent proactively contacted Futterman to apologize. Futterman confirmed receiving the apology and said the matter was closed. This is seen as a wise move from Sabalenka's team, helping her avoid unnecessary trouble at a major tournament.
On the technical side, Sabalenka is showing 'close to untouchable' form, as experts say. In the first round, she defeated Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-4. In the second round, she was even more impressive, allowing Polina Iatcenko just 2 games, finishing the match in under an hour with a score of 6-1, 6-1. These numbers demonstrate her complete dominance on the Flushing Meadows hard courts.
Tactically, Sabalenka's power baseline game is working at maximum efficiency. Her powerful serve and heavy forehand have allowed her to control the rallies. Although detailed statistics on first-serve percentage or winners are not yet available, the lopsided scores suggest her first-serve percentage exceeded 65% and she broke serve multiple times. Her next opponent is Kamilla Rakhimova, ranked around 60th in the world, who is not expected to pose a major challenge.
However, it is important to be objective: Sabalenka's first two opponents were outside the top 80, so this dominance does not fully confirm top form. The real test will come from the fourth round onward, where she could face top players like Iga Swiatek or Coco Gauff. The pressure of defending 2026 champion points is immense, but based on her performance so far, Sabalenka is on the right track.
The media incident, though controversial, actually shows maturity in Sabalenka's image management. Instead of letting it escalate, she and her team quickly extinguished the fire. This allows her to focus entirely on tennis. If she maintains this form, Sabalenka could become the first player since Serena Williams to win three consecutive US Open titles.
Conclusion: Sabalenka is showing a perfect combination of physical strength and mental resilience. The confrontation with the press was just a moment of anger, but how she handled it afterward is the real highlight. On court, she remains the top favorite for the title. Is there anyone who can stop her on the path to a third consecutive crown? The answer will come in the coming days.