Aryna Sabalenka showed her frustration after losing the US Open women’s singles final to Elena Rybakina, smashing her racket on the court shortly after the match.
Rybakina defeated the two-time defending champion 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to claim the US Open title.
After the final point, Rybakina celebrated her victory while the broadcast camera later showed Sabalenka sitting on the bench and smashing her racket before throwing it aside.
Sabalenka had been attempting to win her third consecutive US Open title, but her bid ended with the defeat.
The loss also saw Sabalenka relinquish the world No. 1 ranking to Rybakina.
Speaking after the match, Sabalenka said it was difficult to control her emotions after losing a Grand Slam final while trying to complete a three-peat. She explained that she wanted to release her aggression and disappointment rather than keep it inside.
The defeat marked the second Grand Slam final loss to Rybakina in 2026, after Rybakina also defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this year.
