Aryna Sabalenka has been fined $7,500 by the United States Tennis Association following her conduct during the US Open final, adding another setback after her defeat to Elena Rybakina in the championship match.
Sabalenka, the defending champion and world No. 1, lost 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to Rybakina on Saturday, September 12, ending her bid for a third consecutive US Open title.
The fine was issued over a code violation after Sabalenka hit a ball into the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium following a break in the opening set. Her frustration remained visible throughout the contest. At another point, she struck a ball towards the back of the court, narrowly missing a cameraman.
Following the match, Sabalenka’s emotions boiled over further. While seated at her bench ahead of the trophy ceremony, she repeatedly smashed her racket.
Rybakina Overcomes Sabalenka to Win US Open
Sabalenka entered the final aiming to join an elite group of players who have won the US Open three years in a row. However, she struggled to find her rhythm against Rybakina in the opening set, with the Kazakh player taking control to go one set ahead.
The Belarusian responded in the second set by increasing her aggression and eventually levelled the match after winning 7-5.
Rybakina, however, regained momentum in the deciding set. She secured an early break and remained composed during extended rallies, while Sabalenka’s unforced errors began to mount. Rybakina closed out the set 6-2 to secure her maiden US Open crown.
Sabalenka’s Strong Run Ends Without a Major Title
Despite the final defeat, Sabalenka had produced an impressive run in New York, reaching the championship match without losing a set. Her victory streak at Flushing Meadows also reached 20 matches before Rybakina ended it in the final.
The loss also prolonged Sabalenka’s wait for another title. She completed the Sunshine Double in March by winning the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments back-to-back, but has not won another trophy since her Miami triumph.
Sabalenka will consequently finish the 2026 season without a Grand Slam title. She also reached the Australian Open final earlier in the year, only to lose to Rybakina there as well.
The US Open final therefore marked the second Grand Slam championship match of 2026 in which Rybakina defeated Sabalenka.
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