By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Saturday, January 26, 2025
Photo credit: Fred Lee/Getty
Madison Keys dethroned two-time defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka inciting a big bang.
After the 19th-seeded Keys cracked a forehand winner to seal her maiden major with a thrilling 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 win in the AO final, a raging Sabalenka smashed her Wilson Blade racquet in frustration.
Happy Warrior: Keys Shocks Swiatek for First AO Final
In her 46th major, Keys snapped Sabalenka’s 27-match Melbourne winning streak denying the world No. 1’s bid to become the first woman to three-peat as AO champion since legendary Hall of Famer Martina Hingis from 1997-1999.
In her post-match presser, Sabalenka said the racquet smashing was her effort to empty her anger out so she could be respectful speaking to Rod Laver Arena fans in the trophy presentation ceremony.
“I mean, there definitely was a bit of frustration because I was so close to achieve something crazy,” Sabalenka said. “When you’re out there, you’re fighting, but it seems like everything going not the way you really want to go.
“I just needed to throw those negative emotions at the end just so I could give a speech, not stand there being disrespectful.
“I was just trying to let it go and be a good person, be respectful.
“It’s okay. I mean, I’m the one who knows that after tough losses, there is good wins. So I’ll keep working and make sure that next time, if I’ll be in this situation, I’ll play definitely better.”
After the racquet paid for its transgression, Sabalenka paid tribute to Keys for elevating at the end.
The 29-year-old Keys hit forehand winners to close her maiden major title, reinforcing the respect the world No.1 holds for her.
“I mean, if she can play consistently like that, I mean, it’s not much you can do,” Sabalenka said. “I mean, of course, I know how to play against her, but in this match I couldn’t really do my stuff.
“She just play incredible. It seems like she was overhitting everything. The depths of the balls were really crazy. I was trying my best. Obviously didn’t work well.”
