In the Australian Open final, Aryna Sabalenka claimed she was “really upset” with herself for not seizing her opportunities after leading 3-0 in the decisive set against Elena Rybakina.
On Rod Laver Arena, the top-ranked Belarusian lost to the fifth-seeded Kazakh 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
I would say that I was quite angry with myself since I had opportunities again,” she remarked.
“Up until a certain point, I played really well, but after that, I was unable to control her aggression on the court today.
However, I believe that generally, I played excellent tennis in Australia. I think I performed really well even in this final. I was engaged in combat. She was a superior player today, and I tried my hardest.
Sabalenka, the 2023 and 2024 Melbourne champion, has now won four and lost four of the eight Grand Slam finals she has contested.
This includes losing her last two in Australia after Madison Keys stunned her in 2025.
Despite this, she was confident for the upcoming season and hopeful that she was headed in the right direction.
“You’re a loser today and a winner tomorrow.” This season, hopefully, I’ll be more of a winner than a loser,” she remarked.
When asked if she regretted her performance against Rybakina, she said she might have been more forceful, but she was also quite complimentary to her opponent, who was born in Moscow.
A pensive Sabalenka stated that her objectives had not altered with regard to the future.
“If I have another chance in the final, keep fighting, keep working hard, keep putting myself out there, and give it my all.” “Just go out there and try my hardest,” she remarked.
