"For a week I was still thinking about that match": Aryna Sabalenka says Madison Keys Australian Open loss was 'toughest one' to take
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka has opened up on the heartbreak that ensued after she lost the Australian Open final to Madison Keys this past January saying it was the 'toughest one' yet.
Sabalenka has been through a lot of heartbreak but often it has made the Belarusian a lot stronger than it has knock her down. After damning latter stage defeats at Roland Garros and the US Open before she has gone on to win majors and use it to fuel her fire.
She dropped just one set on the way to the championship match and she was in fact favourite to seal the title. But Madison Keys produced the performance of her life to win 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.
This in turn also ended Sabalenka's winning streak at the Australian Open which stood at 20 matches. After losing the final, it promptly took its toll as Sabalenka smashed her racquet but this was merely spur of the moment anger as she went on to praise humbly her opponent.
She said ahead of the Qatar Open where she returns today for the first time in many years that it took her at least a week to calm her emotions surrounding it. She faces an interesting complexion this year with Sabalenka usually deciding to axe the Qatar Open from her schedule due to the Australian Open and usually winning it.
But this year she will play it. In addition it could help with the World No.1 race as Sabalenka could surge ahead of the defending champion Iga Swiatek further for a bit.
“This one was the toughest one. I think for a week I was still thinking about that match,” the Qatar Open top seed said. “Honestly, looking back and thinking about those two lost games [in the final set], I didn’t do anything wrong.
“She just played out of her mind, and it was her day – there’s nothing to regret. I think right now I’m fully recovered after that tough match.”
The forehand of Aryna Sabalenka 😯
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) February 10, 2025
Maybe a bit too much power on one particular shot... 😂 pic.twitter.com/mmW917rPU9
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