Aryna Sabalenka is back. After suffering a heartbreaking loss in the 2025 Australian Open final, the World No. 1 is set to return to competition at the Qatar Open, the first WTA 1000 event of the season.
For three straight years, Sabalenka had made the Australian Open final. She triumphed in 2023 and 2024, but this time, Madison Keys shattered her dream of a three-peat in an epic final that came down to a few decisive points in the final set.
Sabalenka, overwhelmed with frustration, smashed her racket and stormed off the court before composing herself for the trophy ceremony. It was a brutal loss, and the pain was evident.
Sabalenka Admits: “This One Was the Toughest”
Ahead of her return in Doha, Sabalenka opened up about how difficult the loss was to process.
“This one was the toughest one,” Sabalenka admitted.
“I think for a week I was still thinking about that match. Honestly, looking back and thinking about those two lost games (in the final set), I didn’t do anything wrong, she just played out of her mind, and it was her day, there’s nothing to regret.”
Despite the emotional toll, Sabalenka isn’t dwelling on the past.
“I think right now I’m fully recovered after that tough match,” she said, signaling that she’s ready to put the Australian Open heartbreak behind her.
A Wide-Open Path to Redemption in Doha?
One notable absence from the Qatar Open field is Madison Keys, who withdrew from the event.
That means Sabalenka won’t have to face the woman who just broke her Grand Slam winning streak—a potential psychological boost as she aims for her first title of 2025.
Sabalenka Applauds Belinda Bencic’s Incredible Comeback
During her press conference, Sabalenka also took a moment to praise Belinda Bencic, who just captured the 2025 Abu Dhabi Open title—her first tournament win since becoming a mother.
“That’s impressive, honestly. She just came back, I think Australian Open she had a great run (to the fourth round), and now she’s holding the trophy.”
“It’s amazing, I’m super happy for her, she definitely deserved that.”
For Sabalenka and many WTA stars, Bencic’s success serves as a reminder that motherhood doesn’t have to end a player’s career.
“It gives us hope that probably, whenever we’re all going to go for babies, we have a chance to come back if we want to.”
Can Sabalenka Regain Her Dominance?
Despite falling short in Melbourne, Sabalenka remains the most dominant force in women’s tennis.
🔥 World No. 1
🔥 Two-time Grand Slam champion
🔥 One of the most powerful hitters on tour
With her mental reset complete, the big question remains—can she bounce back in Doha and remind the world why she’s No. 1?
