HOT: ITIA announced the cancellation of the results of the 2026 Miami Open semi-final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina after discovering that Sabalenka used banned high-tech equipment
A shocking scandal rocked the tennis world just hours after Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina 6-4, 6-3 to reach the final of the Miami Open.
International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has just officially announcedCancel all semi-final resultsThis after Miami Open organizers and technology monitoring systems discovered Aryna Sabalenka had used onehigh-tech equipmentstrictly prohibited in competition.
According to an emergency notice from ITIA, the device Sabalenka used was onewearable tracking device(body data monitoring device) discreetly mounted under the jersey, capable of providingreal-time dataabout heart rate, oxygen levels, muscle fatigue, and even predict your opponent’s weaknesses through physiological analysis. This device goes far beyond what is allowed by current tennis regulations, which only allow a few basic types of fitness trackers and must be pre-approved.
Miami Open organizers discovered the incident when the system Hawk-Eye Live and yard cameras detected unusual signals from the Sabalenka area. After an immediate examination, medical staff and ITIA supervisors asked Sabalenka to remove the device. Initial test results show that this device not only monitors health but also Advanced data analysis functionality, which can aid in adjusting tactics during a match – a clear form of technological cheating.
Reaction from stakeholders
Elena Rybakina, who just lost the semi-final match, spoke up immediately after ITIA’s announcement:
“I am very shocked and disappointed. We always compete with the spirit of fair play. If there is technological fraud, I support the cancellation of the results. Tennis needs to be protected.”
Rybakina is currently awaiting an official decision on whether she will be awarded an alternative final ticket.
Aryna Sabalenka There is no official response yet. A close source said that the world’s No. 1 tennis player is “extremely shocked” and is cooperating with the legal team to appeal. Sabalenka has been asked to remove tracking devices (such as WHOOP) many times at the 2026 Australian Open, but this is the first time she has been accused of using “enhanced” devices capable of supporting competition.
James Blake, Miami Open tournament director, said:
“We are committed to protecting the fairness of the tournament. Any form of technological cheating will not be tolerated. ITIA is leading the investigation and we will comply with all decisions.”
Potential consequences and surrounding drama
According to the regulations of Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP)Managed by ITIA, Sabalenka could face heavy fines:
Ban from competition for 1-5 years or longer Large fine Stripping of all points and prize money from Miami Open 2026
This incident gets even hotter as Sabalenka is on the verge of completion Sunshine Double (won Indian Wells + Miami) after winning Indian Wells. If the results are canceled, her “undefeated” journey in 2026 (January 21) will be seriously affected.
The tennis community is strongly divided on social networks:
A faction supporting Sabalenka believes that the device is only used to monitor health and is “no different from what many other athletes are doing”. The other side accuses this as the “technology fraud of the century”, comparing it to previous doping or match-fixing scandals.
Many tennis experts say this is the case biggest shock since tennis switched to comprehensive Hawk-Eye Live technology. The case also raises big questions about the boundary between “health support technology” and “competition cheating” in the era of big data.
ITIA said the investigation is continuing. They will check all data from the device, Sabalenka’s usage history and possible support from the coaching team. Final results are expected to be announced within the next 48-72 hours.
The entire tennis world is currently waiting with bated breath. Will Sabalenka – the tennis player known as the “Queen of Hard Courts” – escape a heavy fine or will this be the end of a glorious chapter?
The entire tennis world is currently waiting with bated breath. Will Sabalenka – the tennis player known as the “Queen of Hard Courts” – escape a heavy fine or will this be the end of a glorious chapter?The entire tennis world is currently waiting with bated breath. Will Sabalenka – the tennis player known as the “Queen of Hard Courts” – escape a heavy fine or will this be the end of a glorious chapter?The entire tennis world is currently waiting with bated breath.
