'Think before you say stuff!' - Sabalenka fumes at preparation questions

Aryna Sabalenka bristled at a reporter's ‌suggestion the events and appearances surrounding the US Open had included "parties and fun"; watch the US Open live on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app

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.

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."

"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.

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.

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.