Sawt Falasteen - Sabalenka 'really upset' at blowing chances in Melbourne final loss

The Belarusian world number one crashed 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to the fifth-seeded Kazakh on Rod Laver Arena.

"I was really upset with myself, I would say, because once again I had opportunities," she said.

"I played great until a certain point, and then I couldn't resist that aggression that she had on court today.

"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."

Sabalenka, the 2023 and 2024 Melbourne champion, has now won four and lost four of the eight Grand Slam finals she has contested.

That includes losing her last two in Australia after being upset in 2025 by Madison Keys.

Despite this she was optimistic that she was moving in the right direction and confident for the season ahead.

"Today you're a loser, tomorrow you're a winner. Hopefully I'll be more of a winner this season than a loser," she said.

Asked if she had any regrets on how she played against Rybakina, she felt she could have been more aggressive, but was also effusive in her praise of her Moscow-born opponent.

As to the future, a philosophical Sabalenka said her goals had not changed.

"Keep fighting, keep working hard, keep putting myself out there, and try my best if I have another chance in the final. Just go out there and do my best," she said.

H.Darwish--SF-PST