ANGRY Aryna Sabalenka smashed her racquet as she missed out on an Australian Open hat-trick.
American Madison Keys became a major winner for the first time with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory in Melbourne.
The Belarussian world No.1 – champion Down Under in 2023 and 2024 – destroyed her equipment in a moment of rage as Keys cried with her family and friends on the Rod Laver Arena.
Sabalenka, 26, said: “I’ll come back stronger and do my best next year.
“I did my best but Madison was incredible. I couldn’t do anything in this match. Next time we play, I’ll bring better tennis.
“Madison, wow, what a tournament, you have been fighting really hard to get this trophy.”
While she also took a cheeky swipe at her coaching team after the defeat.
Speaking live on TV she said: “Should I say anything to my team? As always, that’s your fault guys. I don’t wanna see you for the next week. I really hate you.
“No, thank you so much for everything you do for me blah blah blah.”
Keys – who beat world No.2 Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals – is coached by her husband and had to contend with a nasty hamstring injury last summer.
The Floridan, 29, received a cheque for £1.8MILLION, had tape on her left thigh as she made amends for losing to fellow Yank Sloane Stephens in the 2017 US Open final.
She said: “I’m glad I finally got Aryna back. We have the craziest matches.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Alexander Zverev pleads with fans not to boo after Novak Djokovic’s retirement ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367686061112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“To win my first Grand Slam here means the absolute world to me.
“I have wanted this for so long. My other final didn’t go my way – I didn’t know if I would ever get back to this position.
“My team believed in me every step of the way – so thank you so much.
“Last year was tough with bad injuries. I didn’t know if I could do it again.
“I’m dazed and confused right now. I cannot wait for more trophies.”
