Aryna Sabalenka’s miserable end to the 2026 US Open has resulted in a fine for the Belarusian star, who was fined $7,500 for her actions in the women’s singles final against Elena Rybakina. She was also seen to be frustrated during that three-set match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
At the final, Sabalenka had an even bigger target on her shoulders. The world No. 1 at the start of the tournament was attempting to win the US Open for a third consecutive year, a win that would have put her in competition with some of the greatest players in the history of the tournament. Instead, Rybakina defeated the title-holder 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 and won her first US Open.
The outcome also had great implications for the WTA rankings. Rybakina moved to world No. 1, ending Sabalenka's 99 weeks on top of the rankings. The Kazakh also bagged her third Grand Slam title having won Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open in 2026.
Sabalenka's Frustration Spills Over
#ArynaSabalenka was fined US$7,500 by @usopen for equipment abuse after smashing her racket in frustration following her Women’s Singles final loss to Elena Rybakina. pic.twitter.com/Ud0MB5KJhy
— Shenzhen Daily (@szdaily1) September 15, 2026
The final was emotionally intense for Sabalenka because of the three-peat opportunity. Rybakina took the opening set 6-4 but Sabalenka fought back strong in the second with 7-5 to force a decider.
In the third set, Rybakina had a third set victory and eventually won 6-2 the championship. Sabalenka was also frustrated at the game throughout and her frustration became more noticeable in the match. She shoved the ball into the crowd after being broken in the opening set and received a code violation. A ball abuse warning for the US Open account also noted the ball abuse warning during the match.
Her frustration continued after the final point. Sabalenka smashed her racquet after the defeat and was also seen venting toward a cameraman. The incidents were the aftermath of an emotionally difficult night for the defending champion.
USTA Issues $7,500 Fine
The United States Tennis Association subsequently imposed a $7,500 fine on Sabalenka. That punishment was linked to her actions in the final, including the ball abuse that resulted in the code violation and the racquet incident.
While the fine is a significant penalty, it is fairly small compared with Sabalenka’s runner-up earnings. Reports said she received $2.8 million for second place in the women’s singles draw.
The penalty, however, adds another layer to the toll of Sabalenka’s tournament. She came to New York as the two-time defending champion and was already on the verge of another major achievement, and ended up in the end with Rybakina’s title defense and three consecutive US Open titles.
Sabalenka Explains Her Emotional Reaction
After the match, Sabalenka felt an emotional response and expressed that she needed an outlet for the disappointment she was experiencing. The Belarusian said being in a Grand Slam final and trying to repeat a three-peat was hard to control her emotions.
Sabalenka also said she wanted to perform better in the final. Despite the frustration, she would like to thank Rybakina for her performance and appreciated that the Kazakh played tennis with a lot of quality throughout the match.
Rybakina’s win completed a memorable fortnight in New York. She’s the first Kazakh woman to win the US Open women’s singles title and she also took on the world No. 1 ranking. Her three-set win also established a rivalry that has become one of the notable matchups in women’s tennis.
For Sabalenka, the loss ended her US Open run and was the end of a chance to join the elite club of players who have won the tournament three years in a row. Her emotional reaction and $7,500 fine have now become an integral part of the tale around the 2026 final.
