Australian Open runner-up Aryna Sabalenka was able to share a laugh in her press conference after going down to Elena Rybakina having revealed she was upset at letting another opportunity slip. Sabalenka looked like she was heading for her third Australian Open title in four years, before Rybakina rallied to win five straight games in the third.
The Kazakh star didn’t look back and took the thriller 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena to leave Sabalenka frustrated for the second year running. The World No.1 lost to Maddison Keys last year in Melbourne and let another opportunity slip in 2026 having played fantastic tennis all tournament.
Aryna Sabalenka (pictured middle) was able to share a laugh in her press conference after losing the Australian Open final to Elena Rybakina (pictured left). (Images: Getty Images)
And Sabalenka cut a dejected figure right after the defeat having thrown a towel over her head. However, she was gracious during her runner-up speech having praised Rybakina for her effort. And the Belarusian cut a more upbeat tone in her press conference having revealed she feels she is getting closer again to lifting the trophy.
“Overall, it was much better than last year’s two finals I lost,” the 27-year-old said. “Level-wise and decision-making and the way that the mentality was throughout the whole match, I was still there, I was ready to fight.
“I knew that she’s not going to give it easily to me. So overall, I made huge improvement on that, and I still lost it.But it’s okay. I feel like I’m moving towards the right direction.”
But it was her exchange with her team in the press conference that surprised the media. Sabalenka was asked how she would address the loss with her coaching team.
“I don’t know,” Sabalenka said as she appeared to catch the attention of her team in the room. “When? Today? “Oh, f**k you, no [laughter]. Maybe in a week [laughter]. Or maybe in few days. Whenever I feel like, OK, I can move on from this one.”
Sabalenka was able to share a laugh after her defeat, but admitted she was still going through the emotions after missing out for the second straight year. “I was laughing and crying,” she said.
“It was a hysterical moment, but nothing really productive from that conversation… Just let everything go out and try to… I was really upset with myself, I would say, because once again, I had opportunities. I played great until a certain point, and then I couldn’t resist that aggression that she had on court today.”
“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.”
Aryna Sabalenka (pictured) was humble after going down in the Australian Open final.
(Anadolu via Getty Images)