Aryna Sabalenka Fined After US Open Final Loss to Rybakina

Aryna Sabalenka's bid for a historic third straight US Open title ended in a fiery final defeat and a subsequent fine. The world number two from Belarus fell to Elena Rybakina in three sets last Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Her frustration boiled over, resulting in a $7,500 penalty from the United States Tennis Association for racquet abuse and conduct during the championship match.

Sabalenka's disappointment was palpable after the final point. The USTA's fine stemmed from a code violation she received in the opening set. After Rybakina secured a break of serve, Sabalenka hit a ball into the crowd and later angrily struck another towards the back of the court, narrowly missing a cameraman. Following the match's conclusion, she smashed her racquet. "I just wanted to let all of that aggression and disappointment go outside," Sabalenka explained in the post-match ceremony. She admitted controlling emotions was incredibly tough when losing a Grand Slam final while chasing a three-peat.

Her path to the championship match was dominant. Sabalenka dropped only a single set throughout the entire fortnight in New York. She secured her final berth with a commanding 7-5, 6-2 semifinal victory over American Jessica Pegula. That win set up the chance to join an elite group. In the Open Era, only Chris Evert and Serena Williams have won three consecutive women's singles titles at the US Open. Her power and focus were too much for Pegula, who put up a good fight but ultimately could not halt Sabalenka's charge.

While her high-octane tennis dominates headlines, Sabalenka's journey to this moment is deeply personal. As she prepared for the final, tennis pundits and former players like Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson heavily backed her to capture the historic title. Her life off the court, including her engagement and the tragic death of a former boyfriend, has shaped the resilience she shows on it. This context adds layers to the raw emotion displayed after falling just short of a major career milestone.

Sabalenka was complimentary of Rybakina minutes after the trophy ceremony but also kicked herself for not meeting her own lofty expectations. "I wish I could perform a little bit better," she said, leaving the thought unfinished. The loss means she remains without a Grand Slam title in 2026, a gap she will be desperate to fill in the coming season. Her performance, however, confirms her status as a perennial contender at the sport's biggest events.

• Key Takeaways
• Aryna Sabalenka lost the 2026 US Open final to Elena Rybakina in three sets on September 12.
• She was fined $7,500 by the USTA for racquet abuse and conduct during the match.
• Sabalenka had been chasing a third straight US Open title, a feat achieved only by Chris Evert and Serena Williams in the Open Era.
• She reached the final without dropping a set until the championship match, beating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the semifinals.