World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has been handed further disciplinary measures by the WTA following controversial comments she made about American star Coco Gauff in the lead-up to the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh.
The Belarusian, who clinched the season-ending title on Sunday with a commanding straight-sets victory over Zheng Qinwen, drew scrutiny for statements perceived as dismissive of Gauff’s mental resilience under pressure. In a pre-tournament press conference, Sabalenka reportedly remarked that Gauff “crumbles when the spotlight intensifies,” a comment that quickly went viral and sparked accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct.
WTA officials confirmed Wednesday that Sabalenka has been fined an undisclosed sum—believed to exceed $50,000—and will serve a one-match suspension at the start of the 2026 Australian Open swing. The penalty builds on an initial warning issued last week and reflects the tour’s heightened emphasis on player decorum amid growing commercial partnerships in the Middle East.
“Respect and integrity are non-negotiable pillars of our sport,” WTA CEO Portia Archer said in a statement. “While spirited rivalry is welcomed, personal attacks that question a peer’s psychological fortitude cross an unacceptable line.”
Sabalenka, 27, issued a brief apology via social media Tuesday evening: “Heat-of-the-moment words don’t define me. Coco is a champion and a fighter. Onward.” Gauff, who fell in the semifinals to eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula, has declined to comment publicly but liked several posts supporting the WTA’s decision.
The incident marks the second high-profile sanction of the Finals fortnight, following a code-violation controversy involving Barbora Krejčíková. Tournament organizers in Riyadh praised the WTA’s swift response, noting that player conduct protocols were strengthened in the 2025 broadcast agreement with Saudi broadcasters.
Sabalenka’s camp has indicated she will not appeal, focusing instead on off-season training in Miami. The two-time Australian Open champion is projected to retain the top ranking through February regardless of the suspended match.
