Keys achieved a lifelong dream as she beat two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka to win her first Major title at the Australian Open.
Aged 29, the American had only appeared in one Grand Slam final before – winning just three games in a heartbreaking 2017 US Open championship match. But she survived a rollercoaster, downing Sabalenka 6-3 2-6 7-5.
Keys burst into tears and rushed to celebrate with her team, including her coach Bjorn Fratangelo, who also happens to be her husband. A former ATP player, he started coaching Keys in mid-2023.
The pair had been together for years but tied the knot during the off-season in November. And their recent nuptials became the subject of an awkward question when Keys appeared on Channel Nine.
As the newly-crowned champion, the No. 19 seed had plenty of media obligations to fulfil after the final, and she raced to speak with the host broadcasters, where presenter James Bracey put her on the spot.
“You and Bjorn, you got married in November. You described it as the best weekend of your life. He’s not in earshot now – how does that [the win] compare?” he asked Keys, fresh off the back of her triumph.
But the American refused to shun her husband. “No. That was still the best weekend,” she replied.
Bracey quipped: “Right answer!” The sportscaster also left viewers squirming when he told Keys: “No female has ever lost more games en route to the title than you have.”
It’s not the first time the Australian interviewers have rubbed players up the wrong way. Djokovic refused to do his regular on-court interview after beating Jiri Lehecka last weekend.
Instead of speaking to Jim Courier, he grabbed the microphone to thank the fans for coming before leaving the court.
Djokovic later said: “Couple days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster, Channel Nine here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.
“And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel Nine. So since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel Nine. I have nothing against Jim Courier or neither the Australian public.”
The world No. 7 was referring to Tony Jones, who sang “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out” during a live broadcast while standing in front of the Serb’s fans.
Jones and Nine later apologised, and Djokovic gave a post-match interview after beating Carlos Alcaraz in his next match.
Ben Shelton also wasn’t happy with the line of questioning he received after some of his wins en route to the semi-final. “I’ve been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters,” he said after reaching the last four.
“I don’t think that the guy who mocked Novak, I don’t think that was just a single event. I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk