Sabalenka Reflects on AO Final Loss and Gears Up for Doha Comeback
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is turning the page on one of the toughest defeats of her career and setting her sights on redemption at the Qatar Total Energies Open.
Learning from Melbourne Heartbreak
After a gripping three-set battle in the Australian Open final, Sabalenka fell to Madison Keys 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in a high-stakes showdown on Rod Laver Arena. The loss ended Sabalenka’s reign as the two-time defending champion and left her reflecting deeply on the match.
“This one was the toughest one,” Sabalenka admitted to the media in Doha. “I think for a week I was still thinking about that match.”
The Belarusian, however, reached a key realization—Keys seized the moment rather than Sabalenka losing control.
“Looking back, I didn’t do anything wrong—she just played out of her mind, and it was her day,” Sabalenka said. “There’s nothing to regret. I think right now I’m fully recovered after that tough match.”
Eyes Set on Doha Glory
Now fully focused on the season’s first WTA 1000 event, Sabalenka is ready to reset. She will kick off her campaign against Ekaterina Alexandrova, who defeated Emma Raducanu 6-3, 7-5 in the opening round.
Sabalenka, a former Doha champion, aims to reaffirm her dominance and put the heartbreak of Melbourne behind her.
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