‘Hysterical’ Aryna Sabalenka reveals explosive reaction to Australian Open collapse

Aryna Sabalenka jokingly swore at her coaching team in an emotional press conference after losing the Australian Open final.

The world no.1 suffered a collapse at Melbourne Park, as she was beaten 6-4 4-6 6-4 by Elena Rybakina, despite leading 3-0 in the deciding set.

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Rybakina’s victory saw her gain revenge over Sabalenka, who triumphed in the 2023 final meeting between the pair.

This was the Kazakh’s second Grand Slam title and her first Down Under, and condemned Sabalenka to another painful defeat.

After winning back-to-back title in Australia in 2023 and 2024, the 27-year-old has now lost close finals for the second straight year.

Madison Keys got the better of Sabalenka in three sets 12 months ago, with this one of a number of crushing blows in 2025.

Last year she lost five of her nine finals, including to Coco Gauff at the French Open and to Rybakina at the WTA Finals, but she did claim a fourth Grand Slam title at the US Open in September.

‘Laughing and crying’

Sabalenka cut a tearful figure after missing out on the first Grand Slam of the year, and covered her head with a towel while waiting for the trophy presentation to begin.

And she admitted in her post-match press conference that she had been experiencing a whirlwind of emotions in the aftermath.

Asked how she had been processing the defeat, the Belarussian replied: “I was laughing and crying. 

“It was a hysterical moment, but nothing really productive from that conversation. 

“I was just letting everything go out and trying to – I was really upset with myself, I would say, because once again, I had opportunities. I played great until certain point, and then I couldn’t resist that aggression that she had on court today.

AFP

AFP

“I was just really upset with myself, but I think overall I played great tennis here in Australia. Even in this final I feel like I played great. I was fighting. I did my best, and today she was a better player.” 

Sabalenka then joked that she and her team would assess her performance – but only after some time to cool off.

Laughing, she continued: “I don’t know. We’ll speak with the team.

“Now they try to avoid and escape me because they see that it’s not really healthy to be around me right now!”

Sabalenka drops coach F-bomb

Continuing to put on a brave face following her loss to Rybakina, Sabalenka then provided a moment of comedy gold.

Asked when she would look back over the final and debrief the result, she immediately consulted her team.

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Turning to her coach, Sabalenka quizzed: “I don’t know. When?” 

After hearing his response, Sabalenka laughed and came back: “Today? Oh, f**k you, no.

“Maybe in a week. Or maybe in few days. Whenever I feel like, okay, I can move on from this one.”

Despite admitting her heartbreak at missing out on a fifth Grand Slam, Sabalenka gave credit to Rybakina for her triumph.

The 26-year-old clinched her first major title since her 2022 Wimbledon triumph, where she beat Ons Jabeur in the final.

Sabalenka said of her: “I mean, she played an incredible match, and I tried my very best. I was fighting until the very last point.

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“I had my opportunities. It feels like I missed a couple, but I mean, it’s tennis. You know, today you’re the loser; tomorrow you’re the winner. 

“Hopefully I’ll be more of a winner this season than a loser. Hoping right now and praying.”