Aryna Sabalenka faced a significant fine totaling $7,500 following a series of code violations during the 2026 US Open final against Elena Rybakina. The match, which saw Sabalenka as the two-time defending champion, was marked by several disciplinary issues, including a ball abuse warning, a racket abuse penalty, and an audible obscenity citation.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Fine
The tension ignited early in the first set when Rybakina broke Sabalenka’s serve. In response, Sabalenka threw a ball into the stands, triggering an official warning from chair umpire Greg Allensworth. The frustration continued as she later struck another ball, this time narrowly missing a cameraman.
After a hard-fought match that ended with Rybakina prevailing 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, Sabalenka’s frustration culminated in a dramatic outburst. Returning to her bench, she forcefully smashed her racket against the ground. Moments later, before the trophy ceremony, she directed an expletive towards a camera operator, resulting in an audible obscenity violation.