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Aryna Sabalenka hit back at her critics, saying "haters can go and get on with their own lives" after she made a winning start in her quest for a third successive US Open title.
Sabalenka is attempting to regain her usual dominance after a frustrating last six months, having failed to reach a final since she completed the Sunshine Double in March, but she made a confident start to her quest for a rare 'three-peat' at the year's final major.
The world No 1 launched 32 winners to defeat Camila Osorio 6-2 6-4 in the first match of the day on Arthur Ashe Stadium to set up a meeting with Russia's Polina Iatcenko in the second round.
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Sabalenka, who was pictured at a pre-US Open event, has defended her stance saying "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."
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'Why do you think I wasn't focused on tennis?'
During her press conference, Sabalenka was involved in a spicy exchange with a journalist.
Journalist: "I'm curious, with the week leading up to the Open, there are so many events and everything, it can be kind of physically draining. On top of being the top seed here and among the favourites, how do you balance the energy, especially with the energy that New York brings into your tennis? And then looking over the next two weeks, how do you kind of maintain a steady level with your energy?"
Sabalenka: "What is the question there?"
Journalist: "I'm curious, you had so much going on last week. Now it's just focus on tennis and there's a bit of pressure."
Sabalenka: "Why do you think the week before I wasn't focused on tennis?"
Journalist: "Oh I think you were. I just think you were busy with a lot of events."
Sabalenka: "It's like my hobby outside of tennis. The whole schedule we plan is all around tennis. So all of those events are not drawing me away in any way."
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Sabalenka is also defending her position at the top of the rankings with three other players in the women's main draw in a position to overtake her.
The US Open is live on Sky Sports from August 30. Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App. You can also watch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25-27 September live on Sky Sports.
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