By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Saturday, January 26, 2025
Picture 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 closing, a raging Sabalenka smashed her Wilson Blade racquet in frustration.
Blissful Warrior: Keys Shocks Swiatek for First AO Last
In her forty sixth main, Keys snapped Sabalenka’s 27-match Melbourne profitable streak denying the world No. 1’s bid to turn out 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 could possibly be respectful talking to Rod Laver Enviornment followers within the trophy presentation ceremony.
“I imply, there positively 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, however it looks as if every little thing going not the way in which you actually wish to go.
“I simply wanted to throw these adverse feelings on the finish simply so I might give a speech, not stand there being disrespectful.
“I used to be simply making an attempt 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 robust losses, there’s good wins. So I will hold working and make it possible for subsequent time, if I will be on this scenario, I will play positively 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 isn’t a lot you are able to do,” Sabalenka stated. “I imply, in fact, I understand how to play towards her, however on this match I could not actually do my stuff.
“She simply play unimaginable. It looks as if she was overhitting every little thing. The depths of the balls had been actually loopy. I used to be making an attempt my finest. Clearly did not work nicely.”
