Aryna Sabalenka Smashes Racquet After US Open Remaining Loss to Elena Rybakina

Aryna Sabalenka‘s feelings boiled over after her US Open title protection ended with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 loss to Elena Rybakina on Saturday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Aryna Rybakina Beats Elena Sabalenka

The two-time defending champion smashed her racquet after the match and appeared to inform a digital camera operator to “f*** off” after noticing she was being filmed, The Sun reported.

The heated second got here shortly after Rybakina gained her first US Open title.

Sabalenka had fought onerous to drive a 3rd set after dropping the opener. She had been warned by chair umpire Greg Allensworth for hitting a ball away after a double fault within the first set, displaying simply how tense the match had turn into.

Rybakina, nonetheless, stayed calm when it mattered most. She took management of the deciding set and broke Sabalenka’s serve early, placing the match out of attain.

After the ultimate level, Sabalenka nonetheless confirmed respect to her opponent. She shook Rybakina’s hand and gave her a hug earlier than sitting along with her crew. But because the trophy ceremony was being ready, her frustration returned.

Rybakina Takes World No. 1 Spot

According to the NY Post, in the course of the ceremony, Sabalenka struggled to carry again her feelings.

“The last thing I want to do right now is give a speech,” Sabalenka stated. “Obviously I am disappointed but I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year, an incredible result.”

She later defined why she smashed the racquet.

“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 three-peat,” Sabalenka stated. “So I just wanted to let all of that aggression and disappointment go outside.”

The loss ended Sabalenka’s probability to turn into the primary lady since Serena Williams from 2012-14 to win three straight US Open titles. It additionally marked her first calendar 12 months with no main championship since 2022.

Rybakina’s victory had one other main impression. She took over the world No. 1 rating from Sabalenka in the course of the match after reaching the semifinals. She had additionally crushed Sabalenka within the Australian Open closing earlier this 12 months.