Tennis

Aryna Sabalenka’s ‘Tiger’ Mentality Shows Its Stripes After Australian Open Loss To Madison Keys

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Aryna Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka is a tough competitor.  She did not hand the 2025 Australian Open title to Madison Keys.  Keys earned it by outhitting one of the toughest and most powerful ball strikers in the WTA.

This match could have gone either way.  When the match point finally went to Keys, Sabalenka left her emotions show on the court.  While ESPN’s cameras panned to a crying Keys, a tearful Sabalenka let her anger out by destroying her racquet with repeated strikes against the hardcourt.

Sabalenka has a tiger tattooed on her arm.  She has long identified with the tiger mentality.  The post-match reaction was a normal reaction for a woman who was going for her third-straight Australian Open.

Aryna Sabalenka left the court before the trophy presentation and returned calmer.  She is a wonderful player and a great personality in the sport.  Her post-match emotional release should not be used against her.  Very few of us will ever be in her shoes, the pressure, expectations, and chasing tennis history must be grueling to manage.