Aryna Sabalenka Faces Criticism for Disrespect During Australian Open Final

After losing the Australian Open final to Madison Keys, Aryna Sabalenka faced backlash for her behavior during and after the match. Despite displaying sportsmanship by congratulating Keys at the net, Sabalenka's post-match actions, which included smashing her racket and leaving the court abruptly, drew criticism from former players and fans alike, who viewed it as poor sportsmanship. Jo Durie, a former world No. 5, expressed disappointment, saying Sabalenka's actions overshadowed Keys' victory. However, some supporters defended Sabalenka, arguing that her emotional response was understandable given the stakes of the match. Following a brief cool-off period, Sabalenka returned to the court for the trophy presentation, where she made a lighthearted speech, humorously blaming her team for her loss. While she acknowledged her frustration, she emphasized her intention to be respectful and gracious during the ceremony.