Sabalenka Harshly Criticized For Smashing Her Racket After Australian Open Final Loss
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Aryna Sabalenka could not keep her emotions in check after losing the Australian Open final to Madison Keys, and two Eurosport commentators were unimpressed by her actions.
Sabalenka lost in a deciding set to Keys after a thrilling battle. The winner was hard to predict throughout, but the American stepped up at 6-5 with some blistering groundstrokes to secure her first Grand Slam title.
Keys' joy was palpable. However, that contrasted with Sabalenka's fury. When her opponent's victory was confirmed, she yelled at her team before briefly calming down enough to hug Keys at the net.
Sabalenka's rage started again immediately after that hug. The Belarusian smashed her racket and left the court. Luckily, she returned before the trophy ceremony began, avoiding what would have been a considerable controversy.
Some think the yelling and racket smashing from Sabalenka was bad enough on its own and took away from Keys' special moment. Former world No. 5 Jo Durie made that argument while commentating on the final for Eurosport.
"Well, it’s a shame to see that from Sabalenka because respect to Madison Keys. The way she went about it, the belief she had in herself at the end. Great to see, congratulations."
"Obviously devastating for Sabalenka, but respect for Madison Keys. She held her nerve. She was true to herself, she said she was going to go after it, whatever, in this match — and she did it!."
“I think it’s just a shame that she (Sabalenka) did that. I know that she is going for a third [title] and emotions are running high. It does [take something away from Keys’ moment].”
Durie's co-commentator, Naomi Cavaday, agreed. She thinks Sabalenka is experienced enough to know how to accept defeats more gracefully, even on the most significant stages.
“I think maybe a little bit disappointing to see that reaction from Sabalenka. She’s done enough winning in her career to know how to lose as well. But I suppose it does just show what it means to everyone, even going for three in a row as Sabalenka was. But it wasn’t to be. It takes away from the moment for Maddie."
Sabalenka has spoken about accepting defeats better than she used to. An example was after losing to Coco Gauff in November's WTA Finals when the 26-year-old said giving cold handshakes after defeats was something she would leave to younger players.
Two factors should be considered in Sabalenka's defense. First, she showed respect to Keys by hugging her at the net and warmly congratulating the American during her speech at the trophy ceremony.
Secondly, Sabalenka is a fierce competitor who wants to win. There is nothing more devastating in tennis than narrowly losing a Grand Slam final, and letting out her emotions afterward is something several players would do.
It did not seem like Sabalenka wanted to distract from Keys' special moment on the Rod Laver Arena. The pair's post-match speeches and demeanor toward one another afterward indicate no ill-feeling from Keys.
