By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, March 9, 2025
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis
Aryna Sabalenka faced a tough blow when Madison Keys claimed victory, unseating her as the reigning Australian Open champion.
In an electrifying encounter at Rod Laver Arena, Sabalenka’s frustration boiled over as she smashed her Wilson Blade onto the court, succumbing to Keys in a gripping battle that concluded with scores of 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.
At Indian Wells this week, Sabalenka continues to navigate the emotional aftermath of her Australian Open defeat, taking time to reflect on her journey back to form.
The dramatic destruction of her racquet symbolized Sabalenka’s deep-rooted heartbreak.
“I was truly heartbroken after the Australian final,” she expressed to the press in Indian Wells. “Recovering from that experience proved to be challenging; my mind was constantly in turmoil, trying to make sense of everything.”
“I kept replaying that match in my head, recognizing my mistakes. It was important for me to step back, regain perspective, and rebuild from there.”
A lingering sense of disappointment from Melbourne notably affected her performance in the Middle East, leading to another heart-wrenching loss.
In Doha, Sabalenka was narrowly defeated by Ekaterina Alexandrova with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(5), followed by an unexpected exit against WTA ace leader Clara Tauson in Dubai.
However, the top-seeded Sabalenka kicked off her campaign at Indian Wells with a hard-fought victory over Mccartney Kessler, winning 7-6(4), 6-3.
With a renewed sense of positivity, the athlete known for her tiger tattoo now relishes the thrill of soccer on the lush fields adjacent to the practice courts in Tennis Paradise.
“While the final was a tough experience, I’m focusing on the good,” Sabalenka revealed in her press conference at Indian Wells. “It’s been a rollercoaster ride. But I’m starting to feel revitalized and hungrier than ever, especially compared to my time in the Middle East.”
Will this brighter outlook contribute to Sabalenka’s success in Indian Wells, following her historic 2023 win?
“At this moment, I’m feeling a sense of clarity; the final is behind me. It’s a valuable life lesson, and I aim to ensure it doesn’t repeat itself,” she concluded.
