Find Out How Much Aryna Sabalenka Was Fined for US Open Racket Smash

Aryna Sabalenka is paying the price — literally — for smashing her tennis racket at the US Open.

On Saturday, the Belarusian tennis star, 28, smashed her racket multiple times on the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York after Elena Rybakina beat her in three straight sets in the women’s singles final. The Athletic reported on Wednesday, September 16, that the athlete was fined a whopping $7,500 for her actions.

Sabalenka’s fine was for racket abuse — which 10 other players in the tournament were also charged for — according to a statement of fines issued by the USTA, The Athletic reported.

“Players shall not violently or with anger hit, kick or throw a racquet or other equipment within the precincts of the tournament site,” the Grand Slam Rulebook reads, per the outlet.

In her post-match press conference, shared on YouTube, the two-time Australian Open winner confessed, “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 a three-peat,” as she won the tournament in 2024 and 2025, and was hoping to do the same in 2026.

“So I just wanted to let it go, because if I would hold it inside, right now or here or there on the court, I wouldn’t be able to say a word or I would just go not really nice over there,” she explained. “I just wanted to let all of that aggression and disappointment go outside.”

Sabalenka took to Instagram after her loss to share a few photos from the match.

“not the ending I dreamed of… today hurts, but tomorrow we start again. ♥️🙏🏼 congratulations @lenarybakina on an amazing tournament and performance last night. just incredible tennis. 💪🏼,” Sabalenka wrote in the post’s caption. “new york, thank you for the love, energy and unmatched atmosphere. playing here is always so special. I’ll see you next year, hungry for more…♥️.”