Aryna Sabalenková was heavily fined after abusing her racket in the US Open final

Aryna Sabalenkova was fined $7,500 by the United States Tennis Association for conduct during the US Open final, adding to the frustration of a disappointing end to her Grand Slam campaign. Sabalenková lost 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to Elena Rybakina in the championship game on Saturday, September 12.

The penalty resulted from a code violation after Sabalenka hit the ball into the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium after a break in the opening set. Her frustration continued throughout the match, with Belarus angrily hitting the ball towards the back of the court and narrowly missing the cameraman. after defeat Sabalenka broke the racket several times while sitting at the bench before presenting the trophy.

SABALENKA FIGHTS, BUT RYBAKINA HOLDS TIGHT

Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, was looking to become only the third woman in the Open Era to win three consecutive US Open titles. She soon looked to assert her usual aggressive game as Rybakina took the first set.

The world number one responded strongly in the second set, upping the intensity and eventually forcing a decider as she won 7-5. However, Rybakina regained control in the third game, breaking early and making the most of longer rallies as Sabalenka made errors under pressure. Rybakina eventually closed out the third set to win her first US Open title.

Still, Sabalenkova enjoyed a strong campaign at the US Open, reaching the final without dropping a set before the championship match. Her run also extended her remarkable streak at Flushing Meadows, where she had won 20 straight matches before the final.

The defeat also extended a significant title drought. Sabalenka completed the Sunshine Double in March 2026, winning Indian Wells and Miami in succession. Those are her only titles since Brisbane earlier in the year, meaning she hasn’t lifted another trophy since Miami.

More importantly, Sabalenka will end 2026 without a Grand Slam title. She reached the final of the Australian Open earlier in the year but lost to Rybakina before falling again to the Kazakh in New York.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

16 Sep 2026 11:46 IST