Aryna Sabalenka says she wanted to take out her frustration on a racket because she didn’t want to risk potentially being nervous and disrespectful during her on-court speech.
Moments after Madison Keys blasted a forehand winner to complete a 6-3 2-6 7-5 win, the Belarusian shook the American’s hand and as soon as she arrived on the bench, she started smashing her racket in frustration.
The top seed then covered her head with a towel and also briefly left the court.
Racket destroyed, head in towel. Gotta feel for Sabalenka. pic.twitter.com/CB855bInFI
— Tennis GIFs🎾🎥 (tip jar🫙📌) (@tennis_gifs) January 25, 2025
While Sabalenka was taking it out on her racket, the 29-year-old was celebrating with her team on the other side of the court.
“Well, I mean, there definitely was a bit of frustration because I was so close to achieve something crazy,” the Belarusian explained in her post-final presser.
“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.”
Sabalenka admits she knew what was on the line
Had the…
