Sabalenka’s racket throw nearly hit a ball boy in Wuhan, sparking heated debate internationally: the rules are outdated.

In the recently concluded Wuhan semifinals, trailing in the score, Sabalenka smashed her racket in frustration, which spun and rolled onto the Wuhan main court. In just a few seconds—tension rising then releasing—the racket dangerously brushed past a ball boy, causing everyone at the sidelines to hold their breath. The world number one Sabalenka raised her hand to apologize, while the entire tennis community was left in shock and questioning.

A Sky Sports commentator spoke urgently during the broadcast: “This was extremely dangerous for Sabalenka.” The referee then issued a warning for racket abuse; however, some voices claimed she might have escaped harsher punishment. On social media, fans questioned why it was only a mild warning. If another player had caused such a near disaster, would they have been immediately disqualified?

Sabalenka ultimately lost the match, but the score was overshadowed by the uproar in public opinion. Pegula advanced to the final, yet media and fans focused entirely on Sabalenka’s conduct rather than the match itself.

That racket throw nearly struck a ball boy, prompting experts and observers to urge the WTA and ATP to promptly revise player conduct rules. Journalist Ben Rothenberg bluntly called the incident “extremely bad,” adding, “Although my reaction is a bit delayed, the two tours must seriously crack down on throwing equipment in anger. It’s not only unsightly but genuinely dangerous. Sabalenka was lucky; it could have been much worse, just like last week’s Vandeweghe incident.”

Sabalenka’s emotional outbursts frequently trend online, and in Wuhan, this close call turned theory into reality. Inches of difference, seconds of moments, forced everyone to confront the actual risk rather than just written rules.

Multiple media outlets and former players analyzed that current conduct guidelines are clearly outdated given the intensity of modern tennis. Increasing calls demand clearer and more enforceable penalties. Jim Quinn, a lawyer representing players like Djokovic, criticized ATP and WTA leadership for “long resisting reform.” The push for stricter mandatory suspensions and fines to curb dangerous behavior grows louder—yet in practice, most violations only receive “verbal warnings,” which hardly deter anyone.

Several incidents similar to Sabalenka’s have raised growing concerns over the safety of players and staff. Tennis fans worldwide are urging the ATP and WTA to establish a tiered punishment system, quickly address repeat offenders, and enhance players’ emotional control and on-court safety education. Additionally, they recommend clearly defined referee enforcement standards during matches, adopting a “zero tolerance” stance on actions that endanger others. The core of these proposals is to protect everyone’s safety while preserving the spirit of tennis.

Tennis is a solitary yet brilliant sport. Ball boys, photographers, and coaches on the sidelines equally contribute to its rhythm and breath. But at the Wuhan tournament, the camera’s focus shifted away from tactics and skills.

This “Sabalenka incident” has reignited discussions about tennis safety reforms. Some suggest harsher penalties and mandatory suspensions; others call for establishing “instant review panels” to immediately assess any throwing behavior; still others advocate psychological evaluations and strict accountability for repeat offenders.

However, none of this has simple solutions. Tennis is both a competitive arena and a symbol of etiquette. Every solution must balance “human nature” with “rules.” So far, the WTA and ATP have not issued new regulations after the Wuhan incident, but the debate has already disrupted the old calm.

Watching Pegula’s calm comeback, Sabalenka seemed to break down—not just losing the match but overwhelmed by emotions. Her season’s trajectory resembles a rollercoaster: a Grand Slam champion and runner-up disappointments. Yet tennis remembers; every swing, every outburst, every ignored warning leaves a mark.

In Wuhan, Sabalenka left not only a defeat but also a debate that will be repeatedly raised and urgently needs resolution: when will the rules truly catch up with reality?(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)