Written by Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Saturday, January 26, 2025
Photo credit: Fred Lee/Getty
Madison Keys dethroned the two-time defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka fueling a massive explosion.
After 19th-seeded Keys hit a forehand winner to beat her major with a thrilling 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 win in the AO final, a furious Sabalenka smashed her Wilson Blade racquet with frustration.
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In her 46th major match, Keys snapped Sabalenka’s 27-match Melbourne medal winning streak, denying the world No. 1’s bid to become the first woman to win three AO titles since Hall of Famer Martina Hingis in 1997 -1999.
In his post-match statement, Sabalenka said that smashing the racquet was his attempt to vent his anger so that he could be respectful while speaking to Rod Laver Arena fans at the trophy presentation ceremony.
“I mean there was a little bit of frustration because I was so close to winning something crazy,” Sabalenka said. “When you’re outside, you fight, but it seems that everything is not going the way you really want.
“I just needed to throw those negative feelings out at the end to give a speech, not stand there in defiance.
“I was just trying to let it go and be a good person, respect myself.
“Okay, I mean I’m the one who knows that after a tough loss comes a good win. So I’m going to keep working and make sure that the next time I’m in this situation I’m going to play. It’s definitely better.”
After the racquet paid for its error, Sabalenka paid Keys by lifting it at the end.
The 29-year-old Keys hit back-to-back winners to seal his first title, cementing the respect of the reigning world No.1.
“I mean, if he can play consistently like that, I mean there’s not much you can do,” Sabalenka said. “I mean I know how to play with him, but in this game I couldn’t do my things.
“He was playing unbelievable. It seemed like he was beating everything. The depth of the balls was really crazy. I was trying my best. It obviously didn’t work out.”
