
Aryna Sabalenka broke down in tears on her bench after failing to defend her Australian Open title against Madison Keys in the final. Heartbroken and furious, the Belarusian voiced her frustration and smashed her racket following the match.
On Saturday, January 25, Sabalenka aimed to achieve a rare three-peat of Australian Open titles as she took to Rod Laver Arena in the final against Madison Keys. Both competitors were in exceptional form already bagging titles this season.
Keys started the final in dominant fashion, racing to a 5-1 lead with two breaks of serve. Although Sabalenka broke back once, Keys held firm in her next service game to clinch the first set. Sabalenka responded with a commanding performance in the second, mirroring Keys by going 5-1 up with multiple breaks before closing out the set to force a decider.
The final set saw both players serve impeccably, with no breaks as they reached 6-5, Keys leading. At the crucial moment, Keys unleashed sensational winners to seal a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory and her maiden Grand Slam title.
Contrasting emotions unfolded on opposite ends of the court. Keys celebrated ecstatically with her team, while Sabalenka broke down in frustration. The Belarusian smashed her racket and buried her face in her towel, unable to contain her heartbreak.
After losing her chance to secure a rare three-peat, the two-time champion stormed off the court in anger.
However, she later returned to accept her runner-up trophy, graciously praising Keys and the tournament.