Sabalenka Fined $7,500 After Hitting Ball Into Stands at US Open Final
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Former world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was fined $7,500 (approximately HK$58,000) by the US Open organizers after losing her temper and hitting a ball into the stands during Sunday's women's singles final . The Belarusian star was defeated by Elena Rybakina 4-6, 7-5, 2-6, ending her bid to become the first woman to win three consecutive US Open titles since the 1980s . The penalty was among the heaviest of 20 violations issued at this year's tournament .
Key Points
- Aryna Sabalenka lost to Elena Rybakina in the US Open women's singles final with a scoreline of 4-6, 7-5, 2-6
- The former world No. 1 struck a ball angrily into the stands mid-match, resulting in a $7,500 fine (approximately HK$58,000)
- This penalty was one of 20 disciplinary actions taken by tournament organizers across the entire event
- After losing, Sabalenka also smashed her racket and verbally abused a photographer attempting to film near the team box
- At the post-match press conference, she defended her behavior, stating that controlling emotions after losing a Grand Slam final while chasing a historic three-peat was extremely difficult
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the immense psychological pressure elite tennis players face during major finals, particularly when competing for historic achievements . Sabalenka's fine underscores the US Open's strict code of conduct enforcement, as her penalty ranked among the most severe issued during the tournament .
The incident highlights the immense psychological pressure elite tennis players face during major finals, particularly when competing for historic achievements . Sabalenka's fine underscores the US Open's strict code of conduct enforcement, as her penalty ranked among the most severe issued during the tournament .