Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, faced a tough battle in the Australian Open final against Madison Keys. Despite her best efforts, Sabalenka was unable to secure her third consecutive title, losing the match 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. The defeat was a hard pill to swallow for the Belarusian tennis star, who had been the favorite to win the tournament.
In the immediate aftermath of the match, Sabalenka’s frustration boiled over. She smashed her racket in anger and buried her face in a towel, visibly upset by the loss. However, she returned to the court for the trophy presentation, where she delivered a memorable speech that left the crowd in hysterics.
Sabalenka began by congratulating Keys on her victory, acknowledging the hard-fought battle and the American’s impressive performance. She then expressed her gratitude to the tournament organizers, the fans, and everyone who made her stay in Melbourne comfortable. Despite the disappointment, she emphasized her love for the city and her determination to come back stronger next year.
The highlight of her speech came when she turned to her team with a mix of humor and affection. “Should I say anything to my team?” she asked, before adding, “As always, that’s your fault, guys. I don’t want to see you for the next week, I really hate you.” The crowd erupted in laughter, appreciating her candidness and sense of humor.
Sabalenka concluded her speech by thanking her team sincerely and expressing her love for them, despite the tough loss. Her ability to find humor in the situation and show appreciation for her team and supporters showcased her resilience and positive attitude.
Sabalenka’s speech was a testament to her character and sportsmanship, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed it. As she walked off the court, it was clear that while the loss stung, she was already looking forward to future opportunities to reclaim her title.
Aryna Sabalenka in 2025
Currently the world no.1, Sabalenka played her last match on the 25th of January when she was defeated by world no.14 Madison Keys 6-3 2-6 7-5 in the final of the Australian Open (draw).
This year the Belarussian has an overall 11-1 match record. Sabalenka has won 1 title in Brisbane. Sabalenka got to the final at the Australian Open.