Aryna Sabalenka noticed her two-year reign on the Australian Open finish after dropping to Madison Keys within the last – and he or she didn’t take it nicely.
The world’s No. 1 rating participant 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 Enviornment on Saturday for her first Grand Slam championship.
Sabalenka additionally coated her face in a towel and stormed into her locker room after the beautiful upset.
The Belarusian star, who had gained 20 straight matches on the Australian Open, was denied the possibility to change into the primary lady since Martina Hingis, from 1997-99, to safe a three-peat.
“There definitely was a bit of frustration, because I was so close to achieve something crazy,” Sabalenka informed 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 appeared to work as she had a humorous alternate along with her teaching workforce when addressing the gang after the match – jokingly blaming the loss on them.
“As always, that’s your fault guys,” she mentioned. “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 additionally gracious to Keys in defeat.
Keys had not reached a Grand Slam last since 2017 and at 29 turns into the fourth-oldest lady to win her first Grand Slam.
“I think we did our best,” she mentioned. “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 like to her coaches – “even though we lost.”
For Keys, the win is a bounce again from a crushing loss to Sabalenka within 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 mentioned. “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.”
