The biggest drama at the Australian Open is here! Sabalenka was penalized for a vocalization and called it absurd after the match.

In today's Australian Open women's singles semifinal, Belarusian star Sabalenka beat Ukrainian competitor Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 in straight sets, reaching the Australian Open final for the fourth year running. Yet, an unusual call during the match unexpectedly drew attention afterward.

In the fourth game of the first set, Sabalenka emitted a two-syllable exhalation "ah-ya" after a slightly off-timed stroke. The chair umpire Engel immediately penalized her for “making inconsistent sounds” that disturbed her opponent, resulting in a point loss.

This ruling came early in the match, surprising both the audience and players. Sabalenka showed clear confusion but did not argue extensively with the umpire, quickly refocusing on the game.

At the post-match press conference, when asked about the penalty, Sabalenka showed a lighthearted and humorous side.

“I still think that call was ridiculous,” she said with a smile. “I was just breathing out normally; the ball landed deep and bounced awkwardly. I was simply exhaling naturally along with the rhythm.”

She admitted the penalty initially angered her: “When she made the call, I thought, ‘What is this about?’ I definitely felt it was a wrong decision.” But then she shifted her tone, saying the controversy actually became a turning point: “Honestly, that call fired me up and ended up helping me. It made me play more aggressively. I couldn’t let it slide, and because of that, I won that game.”

Sabalenka even joked towards the umpire: “So if she wants to keep calling those, I want to tell her not to hesitate—just keep doing it. It only makes me play harder.”

Despite the unexpected penalty, Sabalenka dominated the match, winning in just 1 hour and 11 minutes. Her remarkable Australian Open record continues—she has won 26 of her last 27 matches at this hardcourt Grand Slam, showing a commanding performance.

“I really enjoy playing on Rod Laver Arena,” Sabalenka said after the match. “The crowd’s energy and the atmosphere make me feel comfortable. I’m happy to be in the final again.”

Tennis commentator Mark Peterson commented on social media: “Engel’s call was indeed rare. Players often make sounds when hitting, but warnings usually come only for prolonged shouting or clear disruption. Sabalenka’s reaction showed a champion’s mindset—unfazed by surprises and turning them into motivation.”

Former Australian Open champion and current commentator Jim Courier said during the broadcast: “Such calls largely depend on the umpire’s subjective judgment. Sabalenka handled it maturely, not letting the controversy affect her mood and responding with stronger offense, which is the mark of a top player.”

Video clips and Sabalenka’s post-match remarks sparked heated discussions on social media: some fans said, “Sabalenka’s reaction is so endearing! Turning controversy into fuel—that’s a champion’s mentality.” Others questioned, “Was the umpire too strict? Was that sound really that obvious?”

One user commented, “Hilarious, Sabalenka ‘threatening’ the umpire to keep calling those penalties because it makes her play better. Psychological warfare at its best! Honestly, I didn’t even notice the sound during the live broadcast; only on replay did I hear it clearly. Tennis rules on these details are really hard to standardize.” Many liked this comment and replied, “Exactly, and Svitolina didn’t protest either, so maybe she thought the call was strange too and didn’t feel disturbed. In that case, losing a point over this is quite harsh.”

Sabalenka will face Rybakina in the final, aiming for her third Australian Open title.

“I will enjoy the final and give it my all,” Sabalenka said firmly. “I know what to do and I’m ready.”

This controversial penalty incident ultimately highlighted Sabalenka’s mental toughness and humor, adding an entertaining story to this year’s Australian Open.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)