Aryna Sabalenka Shatters Racket in Frustration Following Madison Keys’ Stunning Australian Open Upset

Aryna Sabalenka’s reign as the Australian Open champion ended on January 25, 2025, when she lost to Madison Keys in the final at Rod Laver Arena. Keys claimed her first Grand Slam title with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, marking a significant victory after a lengthy absence from Grand Slam finals since 2017.

Madison Keys, ranked 29, made a remarkable comeback by winning her first Grand Slam title after a six-year gap since her last final appearance. The match was closely contested, with Sabalenka, the world’s No. 1 player, having previously won 20 consecutive matches at the Australian Open. Her loss denied her the chance to achieve a three-peat, a feat last accomplished by Martina Hingis.

During the match, Sabalenka expressed visible frustration, slamming her racket after the loss and later retreating to her locker room. Despite her disappointment, she acknowledged Keys’ performance, stating, “Just Madison was playing incredible. I just couldn’t do anything in this match.” Sabalenka also shared a light-hearted moment with her coaching team during the post-match speech, humorously blaming them for the loss.

Keys, reflecting on her victory, expressed gratitude towards Sabalenka, saying, “You’re always so tough to play. We always have the craziest matches.” This win not only highlights Keys’ resilience but also emphasizes the competitive nature of women’s tennis, where both players have faced each other in intense matches before.

The 2025 Australian Open final marked a significant moment in both players’ careers, with Keys celebrating a long-awaited triumph and Sabalenka reflecting on her journey as the defending champion. The match underscored the unpredictable nature of tennis, where each player’s performance can shift dramatically, leading to unexpected outcomes.