Sabalenka asked for a video review but, with players unable to hear the audio, could only watch as Engzell replayed the footage and stayed with her decision.
The Belarusian was unimpressed, aiming a sarcastic thumbs down at the umpire and offering a few choice words to her team, but she was able to reset quickly.
Sabalenka subsequently broke Svitolina’s serve and then won four of the next five games to take the first set.
After a dreadful service game handed an immediate second-set break to Svitolina, Sabalenka glared at her team, stomped to her seat and then broke back at the first opportunity.
She saved another break point on her way to a 5-2 lead before fittingly closing out victory with a forehand winner.
Discussing the hindrance call, Sabalenka said: “That’s actually never happened to me. I think it was the wrong call, but whatever.
“It actually benefitted my game. I was more aggressive. So if she ever wants to do it again, I want to make sure that she’s not afraid to. Go ahead, call it. It’s going to help me.”