(VIDEO) Aryna Sabalenka penalised for hindrance for not making a typical sound: "On the video, you go, 'ah ah-ya!'"
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka was penalised for hindrance during her Australian Open semi-final clash against Elina Svitolina on Thursday for not making a typical sound in the eyes of umpire Louise Azemar Engzell.
The World No.1 didn't get affected too much by said judgement call as she still went on to win the game but did not take too kindly to the reasoning behind it as she took umbrage with the umpire.
She asked for a video review of the incident however the decision stayed the same. Engzell said: "On the video, you go, 'ah ah-ya!'"
Sabalenka countered asking: "How many players do it different?" to which the umpire responded not having that it was the same as the others. "It's hindrance, it's a hindrance to me because you didn't make the normal sound."
Why Sabalenka was called for hindrance as rules cited
This stemmed from Sabalenka appearing to make a different noise after believing she had mis-hit her shot. However when it returned in fact, the noise came before Svitolina had to return it. Rule 26 of the ITF Rules of Tennis concerns hindrance and states why perhaps the umpire had to deal with the issue.
"If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the opponent(s), the player shall win the point."
"However, the point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing the point by either an unintentional act of the opponent(s), or something outside the player's own control (not including a permanent fixture)."
Albeit social media found the whole situation bizarre saying that it is Sabalenka's normal sound when she returns which gets criticised by some anyway but isn't changed up in any way when it comes to her opponent. But the umpire's issue it seems came with the timing of such a sound.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 1visitors 1
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
