Another Shock for Sabalenka After Title Defeat

Aryna Sabalenka lost her temper after her defeat to Elena Rybakina in the US Open final. During the match, she hit a ball into the crowd, resulting in a code violation. After the match, she repeatedly smashed her racket on the ground while sitting at her bench. The United States Tennis Association fined her $7,500 for her conduct.

Sabalenka lost the final to Rybakina 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, ending her bid for a third consecutive US Open title. Her defeat also ended a 20-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows. Sabalenka finished 2026 without a Grand Slam title. She had won the Indian Wells and Miami Open titles in March as part of the Sunshine Double but failed to add another title afterward.

Rybakina’s victory also helped her secure the world No. 1 ranking. In the latest rankings, Rybakina leads with 9,901 points, followed by Sabalenka with 7,875. Jessica Pegula is third with 7,265 points, while Coco Gauff is fourth with 7,244 points.