“Trophy or nothing,” Aryna Sabalenka expresses dissatisfaction after her loss to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final
19th ranked Madison Keys produced a major upset against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open 2025 finals.
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Aryna Sabalenka (via X)
Success is no stranger to Aryna Sabalenka who already boasts 18 singles titles on the WTA tour. Missing out on the chance to script history with a third consecutive Australian Open title, felt devastating for the Belarusian.
It is a feat which only five women have accomplished so far- Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis. Sabalenka would’ve been the first woman of this century to achieve a hat trick.
It’s trophy or nothing. Nobody remembers the finalist. Nobody puts next to the winner, the finalists name.
Aryna Sabalenka via Australian Open Press Conference
Aryna Sabalenka‘s “trophy or nothing” mindset which she spoke about in the post match press conference, could be evidently seen throughout the finals, as she played with agression and looked deeply frustrated everytime she lost a point to Madison Keys, even smashing her racket at the end of the match. Keys on the other hand, seemed calm and composed throughout the match.
Aryna Sabalenka says she’s not satisfied with reaching the Australian Open final & leaving without the trophy:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 25, 2025
“It’s trophy or nothing. Nobody remembers the finalist. Nobody puts next to the winner, the finalists name.” 😂
pic.twitter.com/7TpMDWgANx
After an incredible run in 2024, concluding her season as the World No. 1, and commencing her 2025 season with the Brisbane International title, Sabalenka was a clear favourite to win the Australian Open 2025 tournament. This incredible upset from 19th ranked Keys was quite unexpected.
Madison Keys’ underdog story
Madison Keys has had an underdog story in her Australian Open 2025 title run. The 29-year-old defeated several higher ranked players like Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek on her way to her second Grand Slam final. Keys reached her first Grand Slam final at the 2017 US Open, where she lost to Sloane Stephens.
Keys built an early lead in the Australian Open 2025 finals match, closing out the first set 6-3. Sabalenka found her rhythm in the second set winning it 6-2. The final set was a tense and closely contested affair. Both players held serve through the first few games, with neither willing to give an inch.
At 5-5, Keys capitalized on a crucial break of serve, allowing her to serve for the championship. With poise, she closed out the match 7-5, winning her maiden Grand Slam. What is even more interesting and sweet about Keys’ triumph is that she is coached by her husband Bjorn Fratangelo.
She has been coaching under him since 2022 and the couple married a few months back in November 2024. With the Adelaide International title and the Australian Open title, Keys has had a brilliant start to her 2025 season.
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Lakshya Chopra
(2611 Articles Published)