Aryna Sabalenka replied to her critics, stating that “haters can go and get on with their own lives” after she won her first match to begin a third consecutive US Open championship quest.
Sabalenka is working to return to form, which had been a challenge during the past six months, as she did not manage to play in a final match since she secured the Sunshine Double in March; however, she started off confidently her campaign to win a rare ‘three-peat’ at the last Grand Slam of the year.
World No 1 fired 32 winners to beat Camila Osorio 6-2 6-4 in the opening match of the day on Arthur Ashe Stadium to book a second-round clash against Russian Polina Iatcenko.
“It means a lot to have the opportunity for a three-peat.”
Aryna Sabalenka is ready to chase history 🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/428hbY7Nb8
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2026
In a photo taken before the US Open, Sabalenka justified her position by claiming that “people love you or hate you.”
“It took me a little while to shut down those noises,” the four-time Grand Slam winner told Sky Sports Tennis. “There will always be people who support your choices, people who go against you, people who love you or hate you.
“I’m so tired of the miserable haters. I decided to stay strong with myself and trust the process, trust with my choices and taste.
“Whoever loves me will be there no matter what. Haters can go and get on with their own lives.”
