Aryna Sabalenka Cops $7,500 Fine After Racket-Smashing Outburst In US Open Final

Aryna Sabalenka has been fined $7,500 by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for her conduct during the 2026 US Open final. This added another frustrating chapter to her playing career in New York.

The Belarusian was beaten by Elena Rybakina 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the championship match on September 12.

Sabalenka's frustration boiled over during the final as she struggled to deal with Rybakina's powerful and consistent game. The world No. 1 was given a warning after sending a ball into the crowd. She later even smashed her racket on the court during an emotional outburst.

ALSO READ: DYK US Open Champion Alexander Zverev Was Diagnosed With Diabetes At 4; His Mother Told Doctors 'This Illness...' | Watch

The $7,500 penalty relates to equipment abuse and comes after Sabalenka's visible frustration throughout the contest.

Her reaction followed a difficult afternoon in which she saw her hopes of completing a third consecutive US Open title disappear.

Sabalenka's Three-Peat Bid Ends

Sabalenka entered the final looking to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win three successive US Open singles titles. However, Rybakina produced a composed performance to claim her first title at Flushing Meadows.

Rybakina took control by winning the opening set 6-4, but Sabalenka fought back strongly in the second. The two-time defending champion played brilliantly and forced the contest into a deciding set by taking the second 7-5.

The momentum shifted again in the third set. Rybakina secured an early break and maintained her advantage to close out a 6-2 victory, sealing her third Grand Slam title.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka Destroys Her Racquet In Frustration After Losing US Open Final To Elena Rybakina

Rybakina Takes World No. 1 Spot

The defeat also ended Sabalenka's 99-week reign at the top of the WTA rankings. Rybakina moved to world No. 1 after her victory, becoming the first player representing Kazakhstan to reach the summit of women's tennis.

For Sabalenka, the result marked her first season since 2022 without a Grand Slam title. Despite the disappointment, she acknowledged after the final that Rybakina had produced the better performance on the day.

The $7,500 fine now adds to the immediate aftermath of a painful final defeat for the Belarusian, who will leave New York without the trophy and without the top ranking she held going into the tournament.