US Open Tennis: Aryna Sabalenka Fined $7,500 For Post-Final Actions

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Four-time Grand Slam singles champion Aryna Sabalenka has been fined by US Open organisers for her conduct during the women's final that she eventually lost to Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina.

The Belarusian - who was the top seed and a two-time defending champion - lost 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday, and during the match, she had multiple outbursts and received an early code violation from the umpire for ball abuse.

In addition to the ball abuse, Sabalenka smashed her racket on the court during the course of play and, after the conclusion of the match, told a TV cameraman to "f*** off" when they were getting a close up of her in the post-match cool-down period.

At the post-match press conference, Sabalenka spoke about her conduct, stating: “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.

“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."

On Rybakina, she said: “Yeah, we have a great rivalry. We play a lot of great matches, great finals this season.

“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."

The 28-year-old has now been fined $7,500 for her conduct.

She did, however, secure $2.8 million in prize money for finishing in the runner-up position, something that may ease her and her accountant's stress levels. For winning the tournament outright, Rybakina pocketed $5.5 million.

In recent times, Sabalenka has lost her world No.1 ranking to her Kazakhstani rival and her status as the world's best hard-court player.

Sabalenka was one of 19 players to receive a sanction, with fines ranging from audible swearing, dress code breaches, and performance standards.

Fines at the Flushing Meadows tournament totalled $112,500. The largest fine of 2026 went to Argentina's world no. 198 Luisina Giovanini, who did not even qualify for the main draw.

The 19-year-old was handed the fine after retiring five games, or just 17 minutes, into her first-round qualifier against Italy's Lucia Bronzetti.

Question 1 of 20 GIVEMESPORT