Aryna Sabalenka destroyed her racket in frustration after being denied a three-peat at the Australian Open.
The two-time defending champion was stunned by Madison Keys, who won 6-3 2-6 7-5 to lift her first Grand Slam title.
Following her defeat, the world No. 1 smashed her racket into her bench and stormed off Rod Laver Arena.
Sabalenka was the heavy favourite to retain her Australian Open title even before the tournament started. The 26-year-old had not lost a match in Melbourne since 2022 and started the title by winning the Brisbane International.
But Keys also came to the Australian Open on a winning streak after capturing the trophy in Adelaide. The American went on a dangerous run in Melbourne, taking out 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and five-time Major winner Iga Swiatek en route to the final.
The No. 19 seed also downed 2022 runner-up Danielle Collins and former world No. 3 Elina Svitolina. And she continued her epic run in the championship match.
Keys stormed through the opening set before Sabalenka raced through the second to force a decider. As Sabalenka served to stay in it at 5-6, the American pounced to clinch her long-awaited first Grand Slam trophy.
Sabalenka was understandably devastated, venting towards her team as she approached the net for the handshake.
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