The women's singles semifinal between Ukraine's Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at the Australian Open 2026 was marred by a controversial hindrance call from umpire Louise Azemar Engzell, which resulted in a long video review and boos. In a highly politically influenced encounter, Sabalenka defeated Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 to move one step forward to her third Australian Open title in four years.
The incident occurred at the start of the fourth game in the first set when Svitolina was serving. As the rally intensified and Svitolina was getting ready for a return shot, the umpire paused the game abruptly and said on the mic, “Stop, hindrance”. The sudden halt to the game surprised both Sabalenka and Svitolina, with the world no.1 reacting, “What?”
The world no.1 Sabalenka passionately requested a video review in an attempt to overturn the umpire's decision. Defending her ruling, the umpire stated that Sabalenka made an unexpected sound. “You went, ‘Uh-aya'. You don’t make the normal sound,” said the umpire.
The umpire's reasoning didn't go well with Sabalenka and she literally had a heated conversation with the match official, leaving the spectators at the Rod Laver Arena on the edge of their seats.
What is a hindrance call in tennis?
In tennis, a hindrance call refers to any action that causes disruption in an opponent's ability to play a point, according to ITF Rule 26. In this case, even Svitolina (Sabalenka's opponent) was surprised. If the hindrance is deliberate, then the opponent is awarded a point. But if the hindrance is accidental, then that point is replayed.
Grunting, external noises and physical movements are the three grounds upon which a hindrance can be called.
Sabalenka cruises past despite the hindrance call
Despite the awkward disruption of the game, Sabalenka cruised past Svitolina. Although Sabalenka lost that point, she recovered in style to clinch the game in just 41 minutes. The hard-hitting 27-year-old looked determined on Thursday and will meet either Elena Rybakina or Jessica Pegula in the final.
Meanwhile, there were no pre-match photoshoots or post-match handshakes. Like other Ukrainian players, Svitolina doesn't shake hands with players who belong to Russia or Moscow's ally, Belarus, because of the war. Even before the game started, an announcement on the big screen stated that there would be no handshakes and the fans were asked to “respect” that.
