Aryna Sabalenka couldn’t hide her frustration after losing a tight Australian Open final as the world No. 1 angrily smashed her racket several times before putting a towel over her head and leaving the court to recollect before the speech.
Aryna Sabalenka© X screenshot
The Belarusian, who was bidding to become the fifth player to complete an Australian Open three-peat and the first since 1999 ti pull off the feat, fell just short after 19th-seeded Madison Keys handed her a 6-3 2-6 7-5 defeat.
After not a single break point was seen in the first 11 games of the third set, Sabalenka faced a 15/40 on her serve when serving to stay in the match.
While she managed to save the first one with a big serve, Keys managed to get into the point on her second championship point and realized it with a forehand winner.
Needless to say, the 26-year-old was left extremely frustrated over how the final ended.
Racket destroyed, head in towel. Gotta feel for Sabalenka. pic.twitter.com/CB855bInFI
— Tennis GIFs🎾🎥 (tip jar🫙📌) (@tennis_gifs) January 25, 2025
Sabalenka to her team: I don’t want to see you for the next week
After returning to the court, the world No. 1 did her best to be as composed as possible and she vowed to return stronger.
Then, she teased her team a bit, jokingly telling them that she hated them.
“Should I say anything to my team? Why are you laughing? As always that’s your fault guys!” Sabalenka told her team.
“I don’t want to see you for the next week – I really hate you! Thank you so much for everything and blah, blah blah.
“I think we did our best, just Madison was doing incredible and I couldn’t do anything in this match. Next time I play Madison I will bring better tennis. Of course, sending love to my team. I love you even though we lost.”
Tennis World USA