All articles tagged with #sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka was fined $7,500 for smashing a racket after losing the U.S. Open final to Elena Rybakina; the piece argues the criticism of her temper is overblown given the extreme pressure of Grand Slam finals, notes her history of emotional outbursts and apologies, and suggests that passion and frustration are part of elite sport rather than a character flaw.
Aryna Sabalenka was fined $7,500 for smashing her racket after losing the US Open final to Elena Rybakina, part of an emotional meltdown that included a profanity-directed moment at a camera operator as she reflected on the loss and her bid for a third consecutive hard-court Grand Slam.
Andy Roddick defended Aryna Sabalenka’s post-final racket smash at the US Open, saying fans often look for controversy and that breaking one’s own racket isn’t inherently disrespectful if there’s still respect for opponents. The debate centers on a perceived double standard in how emotions are judged after losses. Sabalenka, who lost to Elena Rybakina in the final, has yet to win a Grand Slam in 2026 despite strong results and will aim to rebound at the 2027 Australian Open in Melbourne.
Aryna Sabalenka was fined US$7,500 for racquet abuse after the US Open final, a small fraction of her US$2.8 million runner-up prize (about US$1.5 million after local taxes). Separately, the US Open champions—Alexander Zverev and Elena Rybakina—are set to lose about US$5 million in combined prize money due to taxation, with each ending up around US$3 million after tax (Zverev’s Monaco residence shields him from further taxes and Rybakina’s Kazakh status may reduce double taxation).
Chanda Rubin criticized Aryna Sabalenka's behavior after her US Open final defeat to Elena Rybakina, calling her reaction 'bratty' for smashing a racket and rushing to her team instead of accepting the loss. Rubin argues she needs to learn to control herself in defeat, despite Sabalenka's hunger to win and her former world No. 1 status. The piece also notes tennis's tradition of runner-up speeches and the broader debate over post-final conduct.
Aryna Sabalenka was edged by Elena Rybakina in the US Open final, failing to three-peat and losing the world No. 1 ranking. After the match she smashed her racket in frustration, then gave a tearful runner-up speech and said the setback would motivate her to come back stronger next season.
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the 2026 U.S. Open final to claim her first U.S. Open title, win her second major of the year, and ascend to world No. 1, while Sabalenka’s bid for a third straight Open crown fell short.
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the 2026 US Open final to win her first U.S. Open title, end Sabalenka's 19-match U.S. Open win streak, and rise to No. 1 in the rankings as she chases a career Grand Slam.
Ahead of the US Open 2026 women’s final, defending champion and world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka faces Elena Rybakina in a high-stakes clash that could move the No.1 ranking to Rybakina on Monday, continuing a marquee rivalry after several tight three-set battles this season.
Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka meets Elena Rybakina in the 2026 U.S. Open women’s final at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, a rematch of the Australian Open final. Sabalenka, aiming to become the first player since Serena Williams to win three straight U.S. Open titles, defeated Jessica Pegula in the semis, while Rybakina upset Coco Gauff to reach the final as the new world No. 1. The finale is set for Saturday at 4 p.m. ET and will be aired on ESPN with streaming via Fubo; the pair have split four meetings this season, with Rybakina winning Melbourne but Sabalenka taking their last two clashes.
Aryna Sabalenka has learned to channel New York City's electric chaos into a competitive edge as she pursues a third straight U.S. Open title. She relies on a disciplined routine—high-floor hotel rooms, planned dining, strategic travel, and a tight post-match recovery with her team—to stay in the zone and let the crowd energy fuel her, not overwhelm her, as she prepares for a 2026 final against Elena Rybakina.
Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki says Aryna Sabalenka is playing like the best player in the world after her flawless semifinal win over Pegula, while Elena Rybakina is set to become world No. 1 on Monday. The US Open final will pit Sabalenka against Rybakina, with Sabalenka having outperformed Rybakina in New York so far and both aiming for a major title.
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, the world’s top two players, renew their long-running rivalry with a US Open final clash, their 18th meeting and third Grand Slam final. The match highlights their contrasting personalities and relentless ball-striking as they chase the No. 1 ranking and add another chapter to one of modern tennis’ defining duels.
Sabalenka and Rybakina reach the US Open final on hard courts, with Sabalenka chasing a third straight title and Rybakina aiming to secure the world No. 1 ranking. Both have shown dominant form and clutch resilience in the tournament, setting up a final where serve, aggression, and handling big moments will decide the crown.
Sabalenka dominated the US Open semifinal with a 7-5, 6-2 victory over Pegula, amassing 29 winners as Pegula conceded there wasn’t much more she could do and praised Sabalenka’s insanely high level. Sabalenka advances to the final to face the winner of Gauff vs. Rybakina, while Pegula shifts focus to the China Open; Rybakina has just become world No. 1, and Pegula remains a consistent Grand Slam contender despite the latest setback against Sabalenka.