Aryna Sabalenka suffered defeat to Sara Bejlek at the round of 16 stage in the Cincinnati Open despite being the overwhelming favourite. This shock defeat would usually be the main talking point, as the world No.1 comfortably lost to the player ranked 35th.

However, all attention was focused on Sabalenka’s actions towards a ball boy as they sparked controversy online among fans. Right at the start of the second set, she faced two break points. She did not get the ball she was looking for and hit it with a bit of force away from the ball boy and into the crowd, forcing him to go and collect it from a spectator, as reported by SPORTbible.

Fans did not take to her actions lightly as they let their feelings be known on X. “Only happens when she’s losing,” one person wrote. “Exactly a terrible way to treat that kid,” another agreed, while a third said: “No class at all.”

Aryna Sabalenka’s difficult 2026 campaign

The 28-year-old began the 2026 season; she won the Brisbane International as preparation for the Australian Open. This victory gave her confidence entering the first Grand Slam of the year, as she got all the way to the final, but she would suffer defeat at the hands of Elena Rybakina.

In March, she would continue her fine form as she lifted the Indian Wells and Miami Open titles. However, with this victory in Florida, it would spell the beginning of her troubles. She would struggle in the Madrid, Italian and French Opens, with the quarter-final being the furthest she would get in any of the three competitions.

Wimbledon would prove to be disappointing for Sabalenka, as she would suffer an exit in the fourth round to Naomi Osaka before exiting at the same stage in the Canadian and Cincinnati Opens. The Belarusian is still ranked the world’s No. 1 despite her struggles in 2026; however, another early exit at the US Open could see her lose this honour to Rybakina if the Kazakhstani does not reach the Cincinnati Open final.

While she may be out of form entering this Grand Slam, Sabalenka will be aiming to defend her US Open crown, making it three consecutive singles titles at Flushing Meadows.