Aryna Sabalenka felt she needed to let negative emotions go when she smashed her racquet and buried her head under a towel in tears after missing a shot at Australian Open history.
Aiming to become the first woman this century to win a hat-trick of titles at Melbourne Park, the Belarusian powerhouse stumbled in a thrilling decider against Madison Keys on Saturday night.
Keys prevailed 6-3 2-6 7-5 at Rod Laver Arena, the 29-year-old American stamping herself as the oldest first-time major winner in a decade.
The result meant Sabalenka became only the third world No.1 in the open era to lose a grand slam final to an opponent ranked outside the top 10.
Sabalenka shook hands with Keys and the chair umpire before taking out her frustration on her racquet, and quickly headed down the tunnel.
The three-time grand slam champion soon returned for the presentation of the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup to Keys.
“There definitely was a bit of frustration because I was so close to achieving something crazy,” Sabalenka said.
“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.”
Indeed, Sabalenka’s speech proved to be a highlight as the fan favourite shed tears and had the crowd in hysterics.
Sabalenka was hoping to match the great Martina Hingis (1997-99) in tasting Open glory for three straight years.
The only others to have achieved the feat are Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles.
Sabalenka, who was acutely aware of the historical significance of her latest attempt, won 20 straight matches at Melbourne Park over three campaigns before falling to Keys.
“I didn’t want to block those stats,” Sabalenka said.
“When you try to block something, it’s growing bigger and bigger. Of course, I was thinking about that.
“The moment I stepped on court, I was just trying to focus on the game and things I have to do to win this match.”
Sabalenka, who had lost just one set en route to Saturday night’s final, was immediately on the back foot when her serve was broken by Keys in the opening game.
The 26-year-old stormed back with a dominant second set, but was unable to go on with the job and conceded Keys was simply too good.
“It seems like my legs were off at the beginning of the match,” Sabalenka said.
“I was on the back foot all the time. I didn’t serve my best at all.
“Tactically I’d say I didn’t play my best, as well, at the beginning of the match.
“If I could change anything, I would try to start a little bit better with the movement, maybe be a little bit more aggressive.”
It was Sabalenka’s second loss to world No.14 Keys in six career meetings – and first since 2018.
Despite the crushing defeat, Sabalenka has reached four of the past five grand slam finals and appears well placed to contend for some time to come.
And she already has her sights set on more success in Melbourne.
“I really feel like home every time I’m here,” Sabalenka said.
“Even though I didn’t get it this year, I’ll come back stronger and I’ll do my best next year.”
Content Source: www.perthnow.com.au