Aryna Sabalenka speaks out after smashing racket in anger following Australian Open final loss
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Aryna Sabalenka's bid for a third consecutive Australian Open title came to an emotional end today as she fell to Madison Keys in the final in Melbourne.
The defending champion was visibly devastated by the defeat, breaking down in tears immediately after the match.
Sabalenka buried her head in her towel whilst crying before making a swift exit from the court.
The dramatic scenes preceded what would become a more lighthearted trophy presentation, where the runner-up would later return to address the crowd.
Aryna Sabalenka smashed her racket in anger after losing the final
GETTY
During the trophy presentation, Sabalenka turned to humour, playfully directing blame at her support team.
"Should I say anything to my team? As always, that's your fault guys," she quipped, drawing laughter from those in attendance.
The runner-up's comedic timing provided a stark contrast to her earlier emotional departure from the court.
Sabalenka vented her frustration on court by smashing her racket numerous times before storming off the court.
The two-time defending champion then sat down in her seat, covering her face with a towel.
Aryna Sabalenka returned to the court for the trophy ceremony
REUTERS
Sabalenka appeared to be sobbing in her chair before walking off the court with cameras following her through the tunnels.
The Belarusian returned to the court for the trophy ceremony where she managed to recompose herself.
Her lighthearted approach to addressing her team showed a remarkable shift in mood following the disappointment of missing out on what would have been a historic third straight Australian Open title.
Sabalenka continued her humorous speech by jokingly threatening to give her team the cold shoulder.
"I don't want to see you for the next week. I really hate you," she declared to further amusement from the crowd.
The runner-up quickly softened her mock criticism, adding: "No, anyway, thank you so much for everything you're doing for me, blah blah blah."
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Madison Keys won her maiden Grand Slam title
REUTERS
It proved to be an emotional victory for Keys, who was playing in her first Grand Slam final since losing the 2017 US Open showpiece to Sloane Stephens.
She struggled to hold back her tears when turning to her team, saying: "This is where I'm going to cry.
"I've wanted this for so long, I've been in one other Grand Slam final and it didn’t go my way. I didn't know if I'd be able to get back to this position, to try to win a trophy again, and my team believed in me every step of the way.
"They believed in me when I didn't believe in myself."
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