Even through tears, trust Aryna Sabalenka to lighten the mood after losing an emotional Australian Open final to a dialed-in Madison Keys on Saturday.
A big-hitting battle that went three sets, both women were understandably emotional after Keys emerged victorious: For Keys, it was joy at winning her first major after carrying the ‘prodigy’ label for much of her early career, while for defending champion Sabalenka it was devastation after coming up short of winning her third AO title in a row.
Read More: Aryna Sabalenka takes a rare loss in Australian Open slugfest
But after letting out all her emotions via an almighty racquet smash, Sabalenka was a gracious—and hilarious—runner-up during the trophy ceremony, as she gave kudos to Keys and her team before rounding on her own coaches, led by Anton Dubrov. (Video above)
“Should I say anything to my team?” Sabalenka mused, as cameras showed a spotlight illuminating her coaching box inside Rod Laver Arena.
“As always, this is your fault guys!” she said, cueing laughter from the stands. “I don’t want to see you for the next week. I really hate you.
“No, anyway, thank you so much for everything you are doing for me, and blah, blah blah.”
