Richard Pagliaro | @tennisnow | Sunday, February 9, 2025
Image source: Cameron Spencer/Getty
Aryna Sabalenka The greatest Grand Slam caused great pain.
Reflect on her three-disk losses Madison Keys Sabalenka said in the Australian Open Classic last month that setbacks were her “hardest” loss.
TN Q&A: Roger Federer
In an inspiring AO showdown match, a brave key beat two-time defending champion Sabalenka Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 to upgrade to the amazing Slugfest on Rod Laver Arena.
Sabalenka said during a meeting with the media in Doha today that the dramatic ending of AO Reign was so stinging that it took her about a week to recover.
“It’s the toughest,” Sabalenka told Doha’s media before the Qatar total energy opened up. “I think I’m still thinking about that game for a week.”
These ideas led two-time AO champion Sabalenka to the conclusion: she did not lose the game, and the Keys stepped up and won the game.
The newlyweds’ keys fell in the world’s No. 1 and No. 2 matches, beating two-thirds of the Grand Slam title along the way to capture her first Mavericks in a magical Melbourne run Guan Champion.
“Honestly, look back on these two lost games [in the decisive set]I did nothing wrong, she just kicked out of her mind, it was her day,” Sabalenka said. “It’s nothing to regret.
“I think now after the tough game, I’ve fully recovered.”
The top seed Sabalenka played her first WTA 1000 season against Ekaterina Alexandrova, and she beat Ai 6-3, 7-5 in the opening match Emma Raducanu.
