# Aryna Sabalenka’s Racket Smash Fine

> Aryna Sabalenka’s U.S. Open racket smash fine sparks debate over emotional control in tennis.
- Title: Aryna Sabalenka’s Racket Smash Fine · SI | Shortify
- Summary: Aryna Sabalenka’s U.S. Open racket smash fine sparks debate over emotional control in tennis. Aryna Sabalenka received a $7,500 fine for smashing her racket…
- Keywords: aryna sabalenka, elena rybakina, usta, us open, tennis, racket abuse, grand slam, coco gauff, james pegula, wuhan open, sports, Aryna
- Source: SI — https://si.com/tennis/aryna-sabalenka-us-open-racket-smash-fine
- Published: 2026-09-16T17:13:45+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: aryna sabalenka, elena rybakina, usta, us open, tennis, racket abuse, grand slam, coco gauff, james pegula, wuhan open, sports
## Sabalenka’s U.S. Open loss
Aryna Sabalenka lost the 2026 U.S. Open final to Elena Rybakina in three sets (4-6, 7-5, 2-6).
## Racket smash incident
Sabalenka smashed her racket on her bench after shaking hands with Rybakina in frustration.
## USTA fine
She was fined $7,500 by the USTA for violating the Grand Slam rulebook’s code against violent racquet abuse.
## Rulebook violation
The rule states: 'Players shall not violently or with anger hit, kick or throw a racquet or other equipment within the precincts of the tournament site.'

> Players shall not violently or with anger hit, kick or throw a racquet or other equipment within the precincts of the tournament site.
## Past incidents
Sabalenka previously threw rackets after losses to Coco Gauff in the 2023 U.S. Open final and the 2025 French Open final.
## 2025 Australian Open
In January 2025, Sabalenka threw her racket after losing to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final.
## Wuhan Open incident
Sabalenka nearly hit a ball kid with her racket after losing to Jessica Pegula in the 2025 Wuhan Open semifinals.
## Social media backlash
Fans criticized Sabalenka for what they believed were old habits flaring up after her U.S. Open loss.
## Sabalenka’s apology
Sabalenka apologized to Coco Gauff for unsportsmanlike comments after losing the 2025 French Open final.
## Andy Roddick’s view
Tennis great Andy Roddick said breaking a racket is acceptable as long as players are gracious.
## Sabalenka’s explanation
Sabalenka said it’s tough to control emotions after losing a Grand Slam final while trying for a three-peat.
## Sabalenka’s response
Sabalenka congratulated Rybakina on her victory and admitted the better player won the match.
## Emotional control debate
Critics argue women are 'too emotional' in sports, while others say sports naturally bring out raw emotions.
## Sabalenka’s stance
Sabalenka said she wants to be a good example but sometimes isn’t, and is an example of what not to do.
## Conclusion
Sabalenka’s emotional outbursts are part of her identity as a player, and it’s not easy to lose with grace.
## Key takeaway

Aryna Sabalenka received a $7,500 fine for smashing her racket after losing to Elena Rybakina at the 2026 U.S. Open, but she has repeatedly been criticized for similar incidents in past tournaments.