Sabalenka fined $7,500 after smashing racket in U.S. Open final loss
Aryna Sabalenka lost the U.S. Open final to Elena Rybakina and was fined $7,500 for smashing her racket.
Sabalenka, the two-time defending U.S. Open champion, lost to Rybakina on Saturday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
After the match ended, Sabalenka smashed a racket into the court while sitting on her bench, triggering a $7,500 fine for racket abuse. At her post-match news conference, Sabalenka explained she needed to release the emotions of losing a Grand Slam final while chasing a third straight title.
She said she would have found it hard to speak or behave well if she had held the feelings inside. Ten other players, including France's Arthur Fils and Argentina's Francisco Cerúndolo, also received fines for the same violation.
- $7,500 for racket abuse
- Fine amount
- Rybakina 6-4, 5-7, 6-2
- Match score
Why it mattersSabalenka's loss ends her bid for back-to-back-to-back titles and marks her replacement as world No. 1 by Rybakina.
AustraliaAustralian tennis fans lose one of the tour's most dominant players from the podium after three years of defending the title.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 7 d ago
