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Aryna Sabalenka cops hefty fine after racket abuse in US Open final
Aryna Sabalenka was fined $7,500 by the USTA after a code violation during the US Open final defeat to Elena Rybakina. The loss ended her bid for a third straight title in New York and left her without a Grand Slam crown in 2026.
Aryna Sabalenka was fined $7,500 for racket and ball abuse during and after her US Open final defeat to Elena Rybakina. Despite reaching the final without dropping a set, Sabalenka ended 2026 without a Grand Slam title and remains without a title since the Sunshine Double.
Aryna Sabalenka has been fined $7,500 by the United States Tennis Association for her conduct during the US Open final, adding to the frustration of a disappointing end to her Grand Slam campaign. Sabalenka lost 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to Elena Rybakina in the championship match on Saturday, September 12.
The fine stemmed from a code violation after Sabalenka hit a ball into the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd following a break in the opening set. Her frustration continued during the match, with the Belarusian also angrily hitting a ball towards the back of the court and narrowly missing a cameraman. After the defeat, Sabalenka smashed her racket several times while sitting at her bench before the trophy presentation.
