Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed and two-time defending champion, has been fined $7,500 by US Open organizers for her conduct during and after her defeat in the women’s final against Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, according to GiveMeSport.
The 28-year-old Belarusian lost a hard-fought contest at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday, with Rybakina claiming the title 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. Sabalenka’s frustration was evident throughout the match, leading to an early code violation for ball abuse, which included smashing her racket on the court. Her conduct continued after the final point, as she was heard telling a TV cameraman to “f*** off”.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sabalenka acknowledged the challenge of managing her emotions in such a high-stakes environment. “It’s really tough to control your emotions when you lose in the final of the Grand Slam, and when you were trying to go for three-peat,” she explained. “So, I just wanted to let it go, because if I would hold it inside, right now, or there on the court, I wouldn’t be able to say a word, or I would just go not really nice over there.”
Rybakina claims top ranking and hard-court status
The loss was not only a blow to Sabalenka’s hopes of a third consecutive US Open title but also cost her the world No.1 ranking and her status as the world’s best hard-court player, both of which now belong to Rybakina. Despite finishing as runner-up, Sabalenka secured $2.8 million in prize money, while Rybakina, the champion, took home $5.5 million.
Read also: 'I don't think I've ever done that': Mbappé pushes back on the 'dictator' meme
Sabalenka also reflected on her burgeoning rivalry with Rybakina. “Yeah, we have a great rivalry. We play a lot of great matches, great finals this season,” she commented. “Her serve is amazing, the way she is able to step in and overpower you on court – and especially if it’s a US Open court, where it’s super fast – it definitely a huge advantage for her.”
As reported by GiveMeSport, Sabalenka was one of 19 players to receive a sanction at the Flushing Meadows tournament, with fines totaling $112,500. Punishments ranged from audible swearing to dress code breaches and performance standards.
The largest fine of the tournament was issued to Argentina’s world No. 198, Luisina Giovanini. The 19-year-old did not qualify for the main draw and was sanctioned after retiring just five games, or 17 minutes, into her first-round qualifier against Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti, as reported by Michal Samulski on X.
Read also: 'Lucky to make it round': the Ferrari brake failure that ended Hamilton's clean-lap streak
Read also: Kane's 99th sets up a Bundesliga century at a pace no player has matched
