By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Saturday, January 26, 2025
Photograph credit score: Fred Lee/Getty
Madison Keys dethroned two-time defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka inciting a giant bang.
After the Nineteenth-seeded Keys cracked a forehand winner to seal her maiden main with an exciting 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 win within the AO closing, a raging Sabalenka smashed her Wilson Blade racquet in frustration.
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In her forty sixth main, Keys snapped Sabalenka’s 27-match Melbourne profitable streak denying the world No. 1’s bid to grow to be the primary lady to three-peat as AO champion since legendary Corridor of Famer Martina Hingis from 1997-1999.
In her post-match presser, Sabalenka stated the racquet smashing was her effort to empty her anger out so she might be respectful talking to Rod Laver Enviornment followers within the trophy presentation ceremony.
“I imply, there undoubtedly was a little bit of frustration as a result of I used to be so shut to attain one thing loopy,” Sabalenka stated. “If you’re on the market, you are preventing, but it surely looks like the whole lot going not the best way you actually need to go.
“I simply wanted to throw these destructive feelings on the finish simply so I may give a speech, not stand there being disrespectful.
“I used to be simply making an attempt to let it go and be an excellent particular person, be respectful.
“It is okay. I imply, I am the one who is aware of that after powerful losses, there’s good wins. So I am going to maintain working and ensure that subsequent time, if I will be on this scenario, I am going to play undoubtedly higher.”
After the racquet paid for its transgression, Sabalenka paid tribute to Keys for elevating on the finish.
The 29-year-old Keys hit forehand winners to shut her maiden main title, reinforcing the respect the world No.1 holds for her.
“I imply, if she will be able to play persistently like that, I imply, it is not a lot you are able to do,” Sabalenka stated. “I imply, after all, I understand how to play in opposition to her, however on this match I could not actually do my stuff.
“She simply play unbelievable. It looks like she was overhitting the whole lot. The depths of the balls have been actually loopy. I used to be making an attempt my finest. Clearly did not work properly.”