Overview
- The USTA published an on-site fines summary showing 20 fines totaling $112,500 and confirming Aryna Sabalenka was fined $7,500 for racket and ball abuse after the US Open final she lost to Elena Rybakina on Saturday, Sept. 12.
- During and after that final Sabalenka struck a ball into the stands, smashed her racket multiple times on her bench and directed an expletive at a cameraman, actions tournament officials recorded as code violations.
- The largest single penalty was $20,000 for 19-year-old Luisina Giovannini for a first-round qualifying performance judged below professional standards, and Corentin Moutet was the only player hit twice, totaling $15,000 in fines.
- Commentators and former players are split on Sabalenka’s conduct, with voices such as Rennae Stubbs calling it disrespectful and Andy Roddick defending emotional reactions, while outlets note the $7,500 fine is a tiny fraction of Sabalenka’s roughly $2.8 million runner-up prize.
- Grand Slam rules allow far heavier penalties — racket abuse can carry fines up to $50,000 — and critics say the USTA’s flat fines fall hardest on lower-ranked players, prompting renewed calls for a proportional system that would make penalties meaningful across earnings levels.