Aryna Sabalenka wins over the tennis world with runner-up speech

Aryna Sabalenka may have lost the Australian Open title, but she won the hearts of millions of fans with her runner-up speech.

Even in defeat, Aryna Sabalenka has emerged as a winner.

The world No. 1 came agonisingly close to becoming the sixth woman in Australian Open history to win three straight titles, but it wasn’t to be.

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As American Madison Keys celebrated her maiden grand slam crown, Sabalenka lost her cool as the taste of defeat sunk in.

The 26-year-old Belarusian smashed her racquet, draped a towel over her head before walking off Rod Laver Arena.

She then returned for the trophy presentation and despite feeling the agony of the loss, once she stepped up to the microphone she showed why she’s a class above.

Sabalenka jokingly gestured towards the winner’s trophy as she said: “It’s OK, I hope I see you next year.”

And while she heaped praise on Keys for her performance, it was when she turned her attention to her own team that she won over every tennis fan.

Aryna was on fire behind the microphone. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“I mean, should I say anything to my team?” she jokingly said.

“As always, that’s your fault guys. I don’t want to see you for the next week. I really hate you.

“No thank you for everything you’re doing for me and blah, blah, blah.

“No I think we did our best, Madison was just playing incredible. I really couldn’t do anything in this match.”

The remarks from Sabalenka drew widespread laughter from those in the stands of Rod Laver Arena.

Aryna Sabalenka with the runner-up trophy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

After the presentation, Sabalenka fronted up to the awaiting media contingent and spoke about her frustration boiling over shortly after the loss.

“There was definitely a bit of frustration because I was so close to achieve something crazy,” she said.

“When you’re out there and fighting and everything’s not going the way you want it to go.

“I just needed time for myself to switch off and leave it in the past and be respectful and I just needed to throw that stuff out and needed some time for myself.”

The win for Keys will see her rise to number seven in the rankings, her highest rank since 2016.

Originally published as Aryna Sabalenka wins over the tennis world with runner-up speech