Featured Image Credit: Getty/TheTennisLetter/X
Topics: Australian Open, Tennis
Luke Davies
Aryna Sabalenka has finally explained why she smashed her racket following her Australian Open final loss against Madison Keys.
The pair went head-to-head in the final of this year’s competition at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday.
Sabalenka, 26, came into the match as a heavy favourite currently boasting the accolade of being world number one in women’s singles. While Keys, 29, was seeded 19th.
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However, the American shocked spectators to become the fourth-oldest woman to win her first Grand Slam title.
Keys could hardly believe what she had just achieved in the minutes immediately after her triumph, but Sabalenka was visibly emotional and smashed her racket to bits before burying her head in a towel.
Shortly after the 26-year-old left the court and will no doubt look back and regret being unable to capture a third Australian Open title in a row.
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Sabalenka then returned to court for her post-match media duties.
"It's OK, I hope I see you next year!” said Sabalenka. “First of all, Madison, wow. What a tournament.
“You have been fighting really hard to get this trophy, you have been playing unbelievable tennis, you crashed it tonight. Congrats to you and your team, really well deserved. Enjoy the celebration, enjoy the fun part.
"I want to say thank you to every one who makes this tournament happen, thank you for making my stay comfortable.
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“I really feel at home every time I am here and even though I didn't get it this time I will be back stronger and will do my best next year.
"Thank you, guys, for an amazing atmosphere throughout. You guys are amazing.
"Of course thank you to all the sponsors, tournament director, everyone who was helping - I am speechless - thank you so much."
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And despite having cooled down from her emotional outburst in the immediate aftermath of her defeat, fans were still keen to listen to what she had to say about smashing her racket.
“I needed to throw those negative emotions at the end just so I could give a speech… not be disrespectful," she explained in a press conference. "I was just trying to let it go and be a good person…be respectful.
She then said how she will “keep working” and “play better” next time.