Aryna Sabalenka has been handed the third-largest fine of this year’s US Open after her emotional outburst in the women’s singles final defeat to Elena Rybakina.
Sabalenka, who lost her No. 1 ranking following the three-set battle, was fined $7,500 (£5,600) for hitting a ball into the stands, smashing her racket, and shouting expletives at a TV camera in frustration.
The US Open published its list of fines days after the tournament concluded, revealing 18 players were penalised for various violations.
The heaviest punishment went to Luisina Giovannina, who was fined $20,000 (£14,800) for unprofessional conduct during her qualifying-round loss to Lucia Bronzetti. Frenchman Corentin Moutet was fined $10,000 (£7,400) after smashing his racket and receiving a point penalty before retiring with a wrist injury.
Grand Slam rules allow fines up to $50,000 (£37,100) for racket abuse and between $3,000–$5,000 (£2,200–£3,700) for audible obscenities, though actual penalties are often lower.
Speaking afterwards, Sabalenka admitted her frustration was difficult to contain: “It’s really tough to control your emotions when you lose in the final of a Grand Slam and when you were trying to go for the three-peat… I just wanted to let all of that aggression and disappointment go outside.”
