Aryna Sabalenka Fined for Racquet Abuse During US Open 2026 Final
Aryna Sabalenka has been fined $7,500 by US Open officials for racquet abuse and unsportsmanlike conduct during her 2026 women's singles final loss to Elena Rybakina on September 12, 2026. The two-time defending champion's frustration boiled over, leading to multiple code violations, including smashing her racket and verbally abusing a cameraman.
Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has been sanctioned with a hefty $7,500 fine by US Open officials for unsportsmanlike conduct during and after her straight-sets loss to Elena Rybakina in the women's singles final on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The incident saw Sabalenka engage in multiple code violations, culminating in a furious racket smash and a verbal outburst aimed at a TV cameraman following the match. Aryna Sabalenka Smashes Racquet After Losing to Elena Rybakina in US Open 2026 Final.
Aryna Sabalenka Smashes Racquet
Players to lose the finals of Australian Open and US Open the same season in the 21st Century 🫰
Justine Henin 2006
Roger Federer 2009
Aryna Sabalenka 2026 🐯 pic.twitter.com/grM52qcawz
— Nick Ally ✝️ (@nick_ally1986) September 12, 2026
The fiery world No. 1's frustration boiled over on Arthur Ashe Stadium as she failed to secure a historic third consecutive US Open title, falling 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to her Kazakh rival.
Meltdown on Court
The penalties levied against the 28-year-old Sabalenka stem from a series of on-court infractions. During the tense final, she received an early code violation for ball abuse. After match point, where Rybakina secured her third Grand Slam title, Sabalenka sent a ball flying into the stands before violently smashing her racket. Sources indicate she further destroyed her racket upon reaching her chair. The Belarusian's conduct extended beyond the court, as she was also cited for directing an obscenity towards a TV cameraman who zoomed in on her post-match.
The $7,500 fine is at the higher end of the penalty scale for racket abuse, which typically ranges from $2,500 to $7,500. This increased amount reflects the intensity and repeated nature of her actions, culminating in the total destruction of her equipment.
A Costly Defeat
Sabalenka's loss to Rybakina was a double blow, as she also ceded her world No. 1 ranking to the newly crowned champion during the tournament. This final was a rematch of the 2026 Australian Open final, where Rybakina also emerged victorious.
The fine adds to an already significant financial reduction from her prize money. As the US Open runner-up, Sabalenka's earnings of approximately $2.8 million were already subject to substantial tax deductions. A 37% federal tax and an additional 9.65% New York state tax were set to reduce her take-home pay by nearly $1.3 million, prior to the fine. Aryna Sabalenka Halts US Open 2026 Match Over Weed Smell in Stands.
Broader Sanctions
Sabalenka is among 19 players who faced sanctions during the 2026 US Open, with the total fines distributed across various infractions reaching $112,500. Other penalties included fines for audible obscenities, dress code breaches, and failure to meet expected performance standards.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the strict code of conduct governing professional tennis, even at the highest level of Grand Slam competition. Sabalenka's display of frustration, while perhaps understandable in the heat of a major final, ultimately came with a significant financial consequence.
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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 16, 2026 12:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
