Aryna Sabalenka smashes racket seconds after Australian Open final defeat
Aryna Sabalenka smashes racket seconds after Australian Open final defeat
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World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka furiously smashed her racket just moments after losing the Australian Open final to first-time grand slam winner Madison Keys. Sabalenka, 26, vented her anger after the post-game handshake with Keys, who pulled off a spectacular 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 win. Belarusian star Sabalenka was bidding to win the fourth grand slam of her career and her third Australian Open title in a row.
Keys, though, capped a sensational run in Melbourne to win her first major at the age of 29, having stunned Iga Swiatek in the semi-final. As the final looked destined for a match tiebreak, the American managed to break Sabalenka's serve and claim victory.
After shaking hands at the net, Sabalenka walked despondently towards her bench before destroying the racket in her hand. A dent was left in the fame while Keys celebrated with her team. The 26-year-old proceeded to cover her head with a towel and left the court to compose herself before the runners-up speech. Sabalenka explained that she needed a moment to herself in order to give a 'respectful' speech and duly congratulate underdog Keys.
"There definitely was a bit of frustration because I was so close to achieving something crazy," Sabalenka said. "I just needed to throw those negative emotions at the end just 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. It's okay. I mean, I'm the one who knows that after tough losses, there is good wins. So I'll keep working and make sure that next time, if I'll be in this situation, I'll play definitely better.".
