Aryna Sabalenka ended her two-year reign at the Australian Open and didn't take it well after losing to Madison Keys in the final.
The world number one gushed in disgust early Saturday morning after congratulating the American star on his first grand victory at Rod Laver Arena with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory. He was seen hitting the racket on ESPN. slam championship.
Sabalenka also covered her face with a towel and stormed into the locker room after the stunning upset.
The Belarusian star, who had won 20 consecutive Australian Open titles, missed out on the chance to become the first woman to win three consecutive Australian Open titles since Martina Hingis from 1997-1999.
“There was definitely a little bit of frustration, because we were so close to achieving something crazy,” Sabalenka told reporters. “You go out there and fight, but everything doesn’t seem to be going the way you really want it to.”
“I just needed to vent some negativity at the end so I could give a speech (and) not tolerate the disrespect,” Sabalenka added. “I was just trying to let it go and be a good person.”
It seems to have paid off, as she had a humorous conversation with her coaching team when she addressed the crowd after the game, jokingly blaming them for the loss.
“As always, it’s your fault,” she said. “I don't want to see you next week. I really hate you. I don't need you to thank me for everything you do for me.”
Sabalenka was also merciful to Keyes in defeat.
Keys had not reached a Grand Slam final since 2017, but at age 29 she became the fourth oldest woman to win her first Grand Slam.
“I think we did our best,” she said. “But Maddison played great. We couldn't do anything in this match. Next time we play Maddison, we'll bring better tennis.”
Sabalenka ended by sending love to her coach “even if we lose.”
For Keys, the win is a bounce back from her crushing loss to Sabalenka in the 2023 U.S. Open semifinals after advancing to a first-set victory.
“Arena, that's an unbelievable play. I'm glad to finally have you back,” Keys said. “You're always so tough to play. We always play the craziest games. Congratulations to you and your team on an amazing Grand Slam win.”
