Aryna Sabalenka’s Australian Open semifinal against Elina Svitolina had an early moment of drama as the Belarusian got a hindrance call from chair umpire Louise Azemar Engzell. The World No. 1 asked for a video review of the incident but the decision stood and Svitolina eventually won the point.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Shock Hindrance Call
The match started well with Sabalenka and Svitolina both producing some fine tennis over the first three games. During the first point of the fourth game, the World No. 1 returned the Ukrainian’s forehand with one of her own, and her grunt caused chair umpire Engzell to say: “Stop, hindrance.”
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The umpire told Sabalenka that the reason she got the call was because she made a noise that was not like her normal grunts.
“You go,’Uh-aya’, and for me, this is hindrance. This is hindrance for me because you don’t make the normal sound,” Engzell said.
Sabalenka was baffled with the call and asked for a video review but the decision stood, and Svitolina won the point. However, the Belarusian eventually went on to win the game and lead 3-1 before taking the first set 6-2.
Aryna Sabalenka received a hindrance call from the umpire during her match against Elina Svitolina at the Australian Open.
Aryna requested video review.
The umpire says that she made a noise in the middle of the point after her initial grunt.
“You went ‘UH – AYA’… you… pic.twitter.com/6QoJP1i2b9
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 29, 2026
MORE: Why Does Elina Svitolina Refuse Handshakes and Pictures With Aryna Sabalenka? All To Know
Louise Azemar Engzell’s Impressive Umpiring Résumé
Engzell has been a tennis umpire since 2006 and has officiated in several high profile matches throughout what has been a glittering career so far. The Swede, who was born in 1980, has officiated the final of all Grand Slams as well as at the Olympics, making her one of only four umpires to have done so. Engzell was the chair umpire when Djokovic won his tenth and last Australian Open crown till date.
The Olympic final the Swede officiated was no ordinary fixture, as Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova contested it in 2012. Engzell has no doubt cemented her status as one of the most accomplished umpires in tennis.
It will also be interesting to see how Sabalenka views the hindrance call. If the Belarusian beat Svitolina, she will play either Elena Rybakina or Jessica Pegula in the Australian Open final.
