ANGRY Aryna Sabalenka smashed her racquet as she missed out on an Australian Open hat-trick.
American Madison Keys became a major winner for the first time with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory in Melbourne.
Aryna Sabalenka smashed her racquet after her defeat to Madison Keys[/caption]
Her racquet was left mangled[/caption]
Sabalenka threw the racquet to the wayside[/caption]
She was clearly upset after the defeat[/caption]
Madison Keys became a major winner for the first time[/caption]
The Belarussian world No.1 – champion Down Under in 2023 and 2024 – destroyed her equipment in a moment of rage as Keys cried with her family and friends on the Rod Laver Arena.
Sabalenka, 26, said: “I’ll come back stronger and do my best next year.
“I did my best but Madison was incredible. I couldn’t do anything in this match. Next time we play, I’ll bring better tennis.
“Madison, wow, what a tournament, you have been fighting really hard to get this trophy.”
While she also took a cheeky swipe at her coaching team after the defeat.
Speaking live on TV she said: “Should I say anything to my team? As always, that’s your fault guys. I don’t wanna see you for the next week. I really hate you.
“No, thank you so much for everything you do for me blah blah blah.”
Keys – who beat world No.2 Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals – is coached by her husband and had to contend with a nasty hamstring injury last summer.
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The Floridan, 29, received a cheque for £1.8MILLION, had tape on her left thigh as she made amends for losing to fellow Yank Sloane Stephens in the 2017 US Open final.
She said: “I’m glad I finally got Aryna back. We have the craziest matches.
“To win my first Grand Slam here means the absolute world to me.
“I have wanted this for so long. My other final didn’t go my way – I didn’t know if I would ever get back to this position.
“My team believed in me every step of the way – so thank you so much.
“Last year was tough with bad injuries. I didn’t know if I could do it again.
“I’m dazed and confused right now. I cannot wait for more trophies.”
Keys was in tears after the match point[/caption]
Sabalenka and Keys were all smiles in the end[/caption]
Keys kissed the trophy after her win[/caption]
The American had a glass of champagne in her press conference[/caption]
