WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka breaks down in tears, smashes racket & storms off court after heartbreaking Australian Open loss to Madison Keys

Aryna Sabalenka broke down in tears on her bench after failing to defend her Australian Open title against Madison Keys in the final. Heartbroken and furious, the Belarusian voiced her frustration and smashed her racket following the match.

On Saturday, January 25, Sabalenka aimed to achieve a rare three-peat of Australian Open titles as she took to Rod Laver Arena in the final against Madison Keys. Both competitors were in exceptional form already bagging titles this season.

Keys started the final in dominant fashion, racing to a 5-1 lead with two breaks of serve. Although Sabalenka broke back once, Keys held firm in her next service game to clinch the first set. Sabalenka responded with a commanding performance in the second, mirroring Keys by going 5-1 up with multiple breaks before closing out the set to force a decider.

The final set saw both players serve impeccably, with no breaks as they reached 6-5, Keys leading. At the crucial moment, Keys unleashed sensational winners to seal a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory and her maiden Grand Slam title.

Contrasting emotions unfolded on opposite ends of the court. Keys celebrated ecstatically with her team, while Sabalenka broke down in frustration. The Belarusian smashed her racket and buried her face in her towel, unable to contain her heartbreak.

After losing her chance to secure a rare three-peat, the two-time champion stormed off the court in anger.

However, she later returned to accept her runner-up trophy, graciously praising Keys and the tournament.

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Aryna Sabalenka shows gratitude in defeat after Australian Open 2025 final loss to Madison Keys

Aryna Sabalenka (L) and Madison Keys with their trophies at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

Upon returning and collecting her runners-up trophy, Aryna Sabalenka was grateful for a memorable tournament even though it did not end the way she wanted it.

"I just want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who made this tournament happen. Thank you to everyone who made my stay comfortable, and I really feel like home every time I'm here. Even though I didn't get it this year, I'll come back stronger and I'll do my best next year," Aryna Sabalenka said.

The Belarusian had won the tournament in 2023 and 2024 and was on course to join the likes of Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis as the only women in the Open Era to win a hat-trick of Australian Open titles. However, Madison Keys denied Sabalenka glory at the Rod Laver Arena after some phenomenal performances throughout the tournament.