The 2024 Brisbane International final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina was one goofy affair both during and after the match.
It was supposed to be this spectacular showdown between two rivals who knew each other well and who had a bit of history together. They contested the 2023 Australian Open final, with Sabalenka winning that match, and played a few big matches after that as well.
It wasn't quite that because Rybakina bested the Belarusian easily in two sets which was rather disappointing for the viewers who expected a long and great battle.
It was a very relaxed match in a sense, and that vibe continued after the match, with Sabalenka jokingly bashing her team for not doing a good enough job.
It was a hilarious moment between her and her team, but there might have been some seriousness there as well. When Rybakina took the stage for her speech, she congratulated Sabalenka and her team on a great week, as is customary.
Sabalenka quickly chipped in from behind, adding 'No congrats,' continuing her public trolling of her own team and their joint effort in the end. Rybakina cracked a smile as well but finished off her sentence.
It was a really cool moment to see the players in high spirits, especially Sabalenka, who suffered a somewhat embarrassing loss in the final. In fairness, the Belarusian can be quite goofy and funny, which Rybakina knows full well. She briefly mentioned it in the post-match press conference as well.
"She's really funny girl. I think all the time on the speeches she gives some funny moments."
That concluded a very interesting week in Brisbane, which ended in a pretty funny way. Check out the video below to see some of it. Sabalenka will skip this next week to prepare for the Australian Open, while Rybakina admitted that she will go to Adelaide.
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