Aryna Sabalenka didn’t hold back her frustration after narrowly losing the Australian Open final to Madison Keys in a thrilling three-set battle, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. Moments after Keys secured her maiden Grand Slam title with a forehand winner, Sabalenka unleashed her emotions on her racket, smashing it multiple times before covering her head with a towel.
Sabalenka later revealed that the racket-smashing was a calculated move to let out her frustration and ensure she could remain composed and respectful during the trophy ceremony.
Sabalenka: ‘I needed to let it go’
Speaking at her post-match press conference, the 26-year-old Belarusian explained her outburst:
“Well, I mean, there definitely was a bit of frustration because I was so close to achieving something crazy. When you’re out there fighting, but it seems like everything is not going the way you want, you just need to release those emotions.
“I needed to throw those negative emotions at the end so I could give a speech, not stand there being disrespectful. I was just trying to let it go and be a good person, be respectful.”
The weight of history
Sabalenka was acutely aware of what was at stake in the final. A victory would have made her the sixth player in Australian Open history to achieve a three-peat, joining an elite list that includes Martina Hingis, Steffi Graf, and Margaret Court.
“I think maybe before the game I was kind of, like, thinking about that,” Sabalenka admitted. “When you try to block something, it grows bigger and bigger. Of course, I was thinking about it.”
The pressure of such a historic feat may have played a role in her frustration, as Sabalenka came tantalizingly close to cementing her legacy in Melbourne.
A display of sportsmanship
Despite the raw emotions, Sabalenka demonstrated her professionalism during the trophy presentation. After taking a moment to collect herself, she delivered a composed and gracious speech, congratulating Keys on her victory and thanking her own team.
“Madison was doing incredible, and I couldn’t do anything in this match,” Sabalenka said. “Next time I play Madison, I will bring better tennis.”
Looking ahead
Sabalenka’s defeat in Melbourne is a setback, but her determination remains undeterred. In just four months, she’ll have the opportunity to compete for her first French Open title and add a fourth Grand Slam to her collection.
Reflecting on the loss, Sabalenka’s acknowledgment of the pressure and her ability to channel her emotions highlight her resilience and drive to continue pushing for greatness.