Aryna Sabalenka saw her two-year reign at the Australian Open end after losing to Madison Keys in the final – and she didn’t take it well.
The world’s No. 1 ranking player was seen on the ESPN broadcast slamming her racket in disgust after congratulating the American star on her 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory early Saturday morning at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday for her first Grand Slam championship.
Sabalenka also covered her face in a towel and stormed into her locker room after the stunning upset.
The Belarusian star, who had won 20 straight matches at the Australian Open, was denied the chance to become the first woman since Martina Hingis, from 1997-99, to secure a three-peat.
“There definitely was a bit of frustration, because I was so close to achieve something crazy,” Sabalenka told reporters. “When you’re out there, you’re fighting, but it seems like everything (is not) going the way you really want (it) to go.”
“I just needed to throw those negative emotions at the end, just so I could give a speech (and) not stand there being disrespectful,” Sabalenka added. “I was just trying to let it go and be a good person.”
It seemed to work as she had a humorous exchange with her coaching team when addressing the crowd after the match – jokingly blaming the loss on them.
“As always, that’s your fault guys,” she said. “I don’t wanna see you for the next week. I really hate you. No thank you for everything you are doing for me and blah, blah, blah.”
Sabalenka was also gracious to Keys in defeat.
Keys had not reached a Grand Slam final since 2017 and at 29 becomes the fourth-oldest woman to win her first Grand Slam.
“I think we did our best,” she said. “Just Madison was playing incredible. I just couldn’t do anything in this match. Next time I play against Madison I bring better tennis.”
Sabalenka ended by sending love to her coaches – “even though we lost.”
For Keys, the win is a bounce back from a crushing loss to Sabalenka in the 2023 U.S. Open semifinals after cruising to a first-set win.
“Aryna, unbelievable playing. I’m glad I finally got you back,” Keys said. “You’re always so tough to play. We always have the craziest matches. So congratulations to you and your team for another amazing Grand Slam run.”
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