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 an enormous 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 ultimate, 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 develop into 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 chatting with 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 mentioned. “If you’re on the market, you are combating, but it surely looks like all the pieces going not the way in which you actually wish to go.
“I simply wanted to throw these detrimental 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 great individual, be respectful.
“It is okay. I imply, I am the one who is aware of that after powerful losses, there may be good wins. So I am going to maintain working and ensure that subsequent time, if I will be on this state of affairs, I am going to 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 play constantly like that, I imply, it isn’t a lot you are able to do,” Sabalenka mentioned. “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 all the pieces. The depths of the balls had been actually loopy. I used to be making an attempt my finest. Clearly did not work effectively.”
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