'Strong call!' - Watch as umpire accuses shocked Aryna Sabalenka of 'hindrance' after 'different grunt' in semi-final at Australian Open

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was not impressed after umpire Louise Engzell announced a call of a 'hindrance' against her during her Australian Open semi-final against Elina Svitolina. Sabalenka asked for a video review of the incident, but the umpire did not change her mind. "It’s because her grunt was quite different," said Naomi Cavaday on TNT Sports commentary.

Aryna Sabalenka was hit with a hindrance call in her Australian Open semi-final against Elina Svitolina after making a "different style of grunt" while playing a shot.

The incident happened in the first set when the world No. 1 hit a ball deep into the corner.

It looked like a mishit as it went high in the air, and as the ball landed, umpire Louise Engzell announced a call of hindrance.

Australian Open

Sabalenka: ‘I was really upset with myself’ after defeat to ‘incredible’ Rybakina

31/01/2026 at 14:42

Sabalenka looked shocked by the decision as she approached the umpire to protest.

"This is a strong call from the umpire," said Naomi Cavaday on TNT Sports commentary. "I don't think she is going to accept this."

After making her case with the umpire, Sabalenka asked for a video review of the incident.

Explaining the decision, Cavaday added: "It’s because her grunt was quite different, because she thought the ball was going out after she mishit it, and the umpire has interpreted that as she thought it was the end of the point.

'She's trying to make a point here' - Watch as Sabalenka debates grunting with umpire

Video credit: TNT Sports

"It’s a different grunt and most people will know it’s because she thought she had messed up the shot, but it somehow landed in.

"But it’s whether or not that is enough to be a hindrance. She didn’t say anything, there were no words, it was just a different style of grunt, I suppose."

The umpire did not change her mind after watching the review and ruled that it was a hindrance.

"You didn’t make the normal sound," she told Sabalenka.

The world No.1 did not take kindly to the call and on the next point grunted loudly when playing her shots. She then gave the umpire a long look after winning the point.

"We got a variety of different grunts there," said Cavaday. "That is quite punchy."

'Sabalenka is the Sinner' of women's tennis - Murray on 'amazing' top seed

Video credit: TNT Sports

• Williams refuses to rule out shock tennis return
• Australian Open Day 13 Order of Play: When are men's semis?

Co-commentator Anne Keothavong added: "She is trying to make a point here."

The incident didn’t derail Sabalenka in the first set as she went on to win it 6-2.

The top seed also took the second set as she reached her fourth-straight final in Melbourne with a 6-2 6-3 victory.

Sabalenka said afterwards that the hindrance call inspired her to be more aggressive.

"That's actually never happened to me, especially with my grunting, it's so off I think, and the way that...I don't know how to explain it.

"It's just like the ball was deep, the bounce was wrong, and it was just like the timing...it just happened naturally. Then she called it, and I was, like, 'What? What is wrong with you?'

Highlights: Sabalenka powers past Svitolina to reach fourth-straight final

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I mean, I think it was the wrong call, but whatever. It actually helped me and benefited my game. I was more aggressive. I was not happy with the call, and it really helped me to get that game.

"So if she ever wants to do it again, I want to make sure that she's not afraid of it. Go ahead, call it. It's going to help me."

Sabalenka has won the Australian Open in two of the last three years, seeing her three-peat bid ended in last year’s final by Madison Keys.

She will face Elena Rybakina in the final in a rematch of the 2023 final, which Sabalenka won in three sets.

Rybakina beat Jessica Pegula in straight sets in the semi-finals.

- - -

Stream every match of the 2026 Australian Open live and on-demand on discovery+

Australian Open

Rybakina hopes for 'many more' Sabalenka showdowns after claiming maiden Australian Open title

31/01/2026 at 11:56

Australian Open Women's Singles -

‘Two best players in the world’ meeting in Australian Open final, but who has the edge?

30/01/2026 at 22:46