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 exhilarating 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 win within the AO last, 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 successful 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 mentioned the racquet smashing was her effort to empty her anger out so she may very well be respectful talking to Rod Laver Area 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 mentioned. “If you’re on the market, you are combating, but it surely looks like all the things going not the way in which you actually need to go.
“I simply wanted to throw these destructive feelings on the finish simply so I might give a speech, not stand there being disrespectful.
“I used to be simply attempting to let it go and be a superb 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 will maintain working and guarantee that subsequent time, if I will be on this state of affairs, I will 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 play persistently like that, I imply, it is not a lot you are able to do,” Sabalenka mentioned. “I imply, in fact, I understand how to play in opposition to her, however on this match I could not actually do my stuff.
“She simply play unimaginable. It looks like she was overhitting all the things. The depths of the balls had been actually loopy. I used to be attempting my greatest. Clearly did not work properly.”
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