Aryna Sabalenka Faces Scrutiny Over US Open Final Loss

Aryna Sabalenka's 2026 US Open final loss to Elena Rybakina has reignited a major conversation about whether her fiery emotions are the primary obstacle to more Grand Slam success. The defeat, which also cost her the World No. 1 ranking, was followed by a racket-smashing incident that drew a fine and criticism.

Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams, has delivered a blunt assessment of Sabalenka's recent performances. He believes her emotional struggles are directly preventing her from winning more major titles. "The emotional management of Aryna Sabalenka is not improving, and it's the only reason why she is not winning Grand Slams at the moment," Mouratoglou said. He compared her intensity to John McEnroe's famous fire, contrasting it with the icy composure of Bjorn Borg. The coach argued that when Sabalenka loses control, "she loses her tennis," a problem that becomes magnified in the pressure of finals.

This season has been particularly tough in that regard. Sabalenka reached two Grand Slam finals in 2026, losing both to Rybakina. She fell at the Australian Open and then again at the US Open, where Rybakina beat her in three sets. That US Open loss was her second major final defeat of the year and her fifth career loss in nine Grand Slam finals overall.

During her US Open run, Sabalenka's frustration boiled over in a visible racket smash. The act earned her a fine from tournament officials, which she accepted. However, the incident also sparked a wave of criticism from some fans and commentators who felt it showed poor sportsmanship. Others have defended her, arguing that such displays of passion are part of her competitive identity and that the fine was punishment enough. The debate centers on the line between unacceptable behavior and the raw emotion inherent in high-stakes sport.

Away from the court, Sabalenka has been handling profound personal loss. Her father, Sergey, died in 2019 when she was just 21 years old. He was a former hockey player who was instrumental in her early athletic development. In recent interviews, Sabalenka has opened up about this grief and its ongoing impact. She credits her mother, Yulia, and her younger sister, Tonechka, for being her pillars of support. This family foundation remains a major source of inspiration for her as she continues her career.

Despite the setbacks, Sabalenka is preparing to return to competition. Reports indicate she is gearing up for the China Open, aiming to rebuild her form and confidence. Regaining the top ranking and breaking her Grand Slam final curse will be her clear objectives. Her powerful game remains one of the most formidable on tour, but the focus will be on whether she can harness her emotions to convert that power into more consistent victories at the very highest level.

• Patrick Mouratoglou, former coach to Serena Williams, says Sabalenka's emotional control is the main barrier to more Grand Slam wins.
• Sabalenka lost the 2026 US Open final to Elena Rybakina in three sets, a result that cost her the World No. 1 ranking.
• This was her second Grand Slam final loss of 2026, having also been defeated by Rybakina in the Australian Open final.
• Sabalenka has reached nine major finals in her career, winning four and losing five.