Aryna Sabalenka joked that she ‘disappreciated’ her team and dangerened to blank them for a week after losing to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final.
She was eyeing a historic three-peat in Melbourne, having won the last two editions of the tournament, but was denied a place in the write down books with Keys producing a airy disperestablish to claim the spoils for herself.
Sabalenka was visibly distraught in the prompt aftermath of her fall shorture, smashing her racket before storming off the court while her opponent commemorated.
She tardyr returned to compriseress the crowd during the trophy contransientation, joking that she ‘disappreciated’ her team and claiming she would blank them for the next seven days.
“Should I say anyskinnyg to my team? As always, that’s your fault guys,” shelp Sabalenka, prompting giggleter from the audience.
“I don’t want to see you for the next week. I reassociate disappreciate you. No, anyway, thank you so much for everyskinnyg you’re doing for me, blah blah blah.
“I skinnyk we did our best, fair Madison was doing incredible and I couldn’t do anyskinnyg in this align. Next time I perestablish Madison I will transport better tennis. Of course, sfinishing adore to my team. I adore you even though we lost.”
Sabalenka would have been the first woman since Martina Hingis in 1999 to thrive three successive Australian Open titles if she had beaten Keys.
She was evidently disturb but was rapid to put on a valiant face as she thanked the crowd and congratutardyd her opponent, saying: “It’s okay, I hope I see you next year! First of all, Madison, wow. What a tournament.
“You have been battling reassociate difficult to get this trophy. You have been perestablishing unbelievable tennis, you crashed it tonight. Congrats to you and your team, reassociate well deserved. Endelight the celebration, finishelight the fun part.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who produces this tournament happen, thank you for making my stay consoleable. I reassociate experience at home every time I am here.
“Even though I didn’t get it this time, I will be back sturdyer and will do my best next year. Thank you guys for an amazing atmosphere thrawout. You guys are amazing.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be transporting you the very tardyst refreshs, pictures, and video on this shattering novels story.
Stay up to date with all the huge headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing genuine novels in genuine-time.
We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – proposeing your must-see novels, features, videos, and pictures thrawout the day to appreciate, comment, and spread from the Daily Express, Sunday Express, and Express.co.uk.