The Belarusian world No.2Â was questioned about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and her country's role as a staging ground for Moscow's troops after her second-round victory but said she did not feel safe in that press conference.
She added her decision not to take part in Friday's press conference was supported by the French Open organisers, who said they would not fine her, and the second seed had an interaction with a hand-picked group of reporters instead.
"After my match (on Wednesday) I spoke with the media like I normally do," Sabalenka told reporters after beating Russian Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2 6-2.
"I know they still expect some questions that are more about the politics and not so much about my tennis.
"For many months now I have answered these questions at tournaments and been very clear in my feelings and my thoughts. These questions do not bother me after my matches.
"I know that I have to provide answers to the media on things not related to my tennis or my matches, but on Wednesday I did not feel safe in the press conference."
World No.3 Jessica Pegula, meanwhile, had never beaten Elise Mertens in two previous meetings and the American's hopes of snapping that run to remain on track for a maiden grand slam trophy ended in disappointment with a 6-1 6-3 defeat.
The 29-year-old Pegula particularly struggled against the versatility of Mertens, who ran her ragged with some delightful sliced forehands, drops, lobs and deep shots to breeze through the match in 82 minutes.
Daria Kasatkina was even quicker across the finish line against another American as the ninth seed dropped only one game in her win over Peyton Stearns.
"I have to be quick because I'm not that powerful like many girls," Kasatkina explained. "Physically I'm not that gifted, so I have to be quick. I have to find ways to win, to survive.
"So I have to do it with my legs, with the brain, and try to squeeze the maximum I can."
Last year's semi-finalist Kasatkina will need to show her best form again in the next round where she will meet former world No.3 Elina Svitolina after the Ukrainian beat Russian Anna Blinkova 2-6 6-2 7-5.
Svitolina refused to shake hands with her opponent and was booed by some fans but said her decision was out of respect for the soldiers fighting on the front line following Moscow's invasion of her country.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, the 2021 runner-up, got off to a slow start before finishing strong to down 24th-seed Anastasia Potapova 4-6 6-3 6-0 to book a clash with Mertens.
