Aryna Sabalenka reveals how long it took to ‘finally move on’ after Australian Open heartbreak

Aryna Sabalenka struggled in the two WTA 1000 events following her Australian Open final loss to Madison Keys.

Aryna Sabalenka reveals how long it took to ‘finally move on’ after Australian Open heartbreak

Aryna Sabalenka (via WTA/X)

Aryna Sabalenka is gearing up for the Indian Wells to bid for her first title in the tournament. She has finally moved on from the 2025 Australian Open heartbreak and is looking forward to a strong campaign in the Californian desert.

Sabalenka was eyeing history at Melbourne Park, for had she won the final, she could have won three Australian Open titles on the trot. The Belarusian spared no effort in the final, but Madison Keys was the better player on that day and claimed a three-set win to lift her first Grand Slam title.

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Following the defeat, the World No.1 produced mediocre performances in the Middle East Swing. The 2025 Brisbane International champion suffered an opening-round exit in the WTA 1000 Qatar Open; and in Dubai too, she failed to make a deep run, losing in the third round. Sabalenka has learned from her Australian Open loss and is positive about doing much better the next time.

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I had some tough losses in the past, but that one was tough to accept, to be honest. It took me, like, a week and maybe a little bit longer than that to stop thinking and to finally move on. I’d say that lesson learned and it’s in the past. It’s always…not always actually, but it’s good to have these tough losses because next time you’re going to do much better.

Aryna Sabalenka said at the press conference

Aryna Sabalenka has no problem with Indian Wells’ surface change

Aryna Sabalenka loves to play on faster courts as the surface suits big servers like her. This year, the Plexipave courts have been replaced by Laykold courts, the surface used at the US Open and Miami Open.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via WTA/X)

The change of surfaces sparked debate as several players, including Men’s World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz questioned the need for the change. Daniil Medvedev called the change a ‘disgrace’ but Elena Rybakina found the courts ‘nice’ and looks like Sabalenka too agrees with her.

I love them (the courts). They’re a little bit faster, which is good for me, right? It feels good so far. I’ll tell you later after my first match. I hope I’ll still like it.

Aryna Sabalenka said at the press conference

Sabalenka is a doubles champion at Indian Wells, having clinched the title in 2019 with Elise Mertens. The 26-year-old, however, is yet to taste victory in singles event and produced her best when she reached the final in 2023 but lost to Rybakina.