Aryna Sabalenka's Trophy Controversy: A Classless Display at the Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka's Trophy Controversy: A Classless Display at the Australian Open

26 days ago | 5 Views

Australian Open 2025 runner-up Aryna Sabalenka found herself in a precarious situation following the viral spread of a video after the conclusion of the women's singles final on Saturday. The Belarusian experienced an unexpected defeat, losing 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 to Madison Keys, the No. 19 seed, in the championship match.

Sabalenka, who was anticipated to be the first woman in this century to achieve a three-peat in Melbourne, expressed her frustration following the loss by smashing her racquet and leaving the court before the post-match presentation could commence.

Subsequently, a video surfaced from the locker room after the presentation ceremony at Rod Laver Arena, featuring the caption: ‘Let’s all pee on it.’ The footage depicted Sabalenka, her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis, and her fitness coach Jason Stacy, mockingly pretending to urinate on the runners-up trophy that was placed on the floor.

The video quickly garnered negative attention, with fans expressing their disapproval and labeling the world No. 1's behavior as "classless," prompting calls for Tennis Australia to impose a ban on her participation in the next Australian Open.

In her post-match comments, she stated: “I believe that when you reach the finals, it’s all about the trophy or nothing. No one remembers the finalist, you know? Nobody mentions the finalist alongside the winner.

“At this stage, I am focused on titles. Naturally, I should feel proud of reaching three finals in a row; that is quite an achievement. I hope to return next year as a better player and to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup once again.”

Madison Keys, the winner of the Australian Open women's title, returned to her career-best ranking on Monday, joining three other American women—Coco Gauff (No. 3), Jessica Pegula (No. 6), and Emma Navarro, who fell one position to No. 9—in the WTA top 10. Keys advanced from No. 14 to a career-high No. 7. Meanwhile, Sabalenka maintained her position at No. 1, while Iga Swiatek remained at No. 2 following her defeat to Keys in a thrilling semifinal.

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