Aryna Sabalenka sarcastically blames her team after the Australian Open final defeat to Madison Keys

Aryna Sabalenka remains World No.1 after the Australian Open despite a heartbreaking final defeat to Madison Keys.

Aryna Sabalenka sarcastically blames her team after the Australian Open final defeat to Madison Keys

Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys (via X)

Aryna Sabalenka jokingly said she “hated” her team and would ignore them for a week after losing the Australian Open final. She was aiming for a historic third consecutive title in Melbourne but fell short as Madison Keys delivered a stunning performance to take the trophy.

Sabalenka was emotional after the match. She smashed her racket and quickly left the court as Keys celebrated her victory. It was a tough loss for world No.1, who had been chasing a place in record books.

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As always, that’s your fault guys. I don’t wanna see you for the next week. I hate you [laughs]. No, anyway, thank you so much for everything you’re doing for me, blah blah blah.

Aryna Sabalenka said after her Australian Open final defeat

She later returned for the trophy presentation and addressed the crowd. Sabalenka made light of her disappointment by joking about her frustration with her team.

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Despite her humor, the defeat was a heartbreaking moment for Sabalenka, as she had hoped to continue her dominance at the Australian Open. Keys’ outstanding play denied her the chance to secure a rare three-peat.

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Aryna Sabalenka’s Australian Open winning streak snapped

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka entered the Australian Open final with impressive form. She was on a 20-match winning streak at Melbourne Park and had an 11-0 record in 2025, including a Brisbane title.

Aryna Sabalenka (8)
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X)

Sabalenka aimed to become the first woman to win three straight Australian Opens since Martina Hingis from 1997-1999. The Belarusian also had a 4-1 head-to-head advantage over Madison Keys, including a tough three-set win in the 2023 US Open semifinals.

For Keys, this was her second Grand Slam final after losing to Sloane Stephens at the 2017 US Open. With a new Yonex racquet and a revamped serve, the 29-year-old defied expectations. She had the longest gap between her first and second Slam finals in the Open Era and became the fourth-oldest player to win a first Grand Slam title in this era.

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The match came down to an intense final game. Keys rose to the occasion, showcasing nerves of steel. She hit two stunning returns to lead 0-30, then earned championship point after a thrilling baseline rally. On her second match point, Keys unleashed a powerful forehand, her 29th winner, to seal the victory.