"I needed to throw those negative emotions at the end": Aryna Sabalenka explains racquet smash outburst after Australian Open loss
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka has explained why she smashed her racquet out of frustration after losing the Australian Open final saying that it was due to the potential of reaching new heights by winning three titles in a row.
Sabalenka was seen smashing her racquet and hurling it towards the bench then stormed off court. Albeit she spoke glowingly about Keys after the defeat in which the American became a maiden Grand Slam champion for the first time. She also aimed hilarious digs at her team. But in that moment, she said she needed to channel her negative emotions.
“There definitely was a bit of frustration because I was so close to achieve something crazy,” she said in her press conference. “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, be respectful. It's okay. I mean, I'm the one who knows that after tough losses, there is good wins. So I'll keep working and make sure that next time, if I'll be in this situation, I'll definitely play better.”
"I just needed that time for myself to like switch off and forget and leave it in the best and be respectful, not be - I don't know.
“I just wanted to be respectful. I just needed to throw those stuff out and needed some time with myself. Yeah, that's definitely really tough. I was standing there and just was like: ‘Okay, c'mon, you've been in her position. She deserves that. She was better player than you’. Just, you know, it was tough.”
Aryna Sabalenka was asked about throwing her racquet after losing the Australian Open final:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 25, 2025
“I needed to throw those negative emotions at the end just so I could give a speech. I was just trying to let it go & be a good person, be respectful” 😂
pic.twitter.com/BS1ejILnKP
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
