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ANGRY Aryna Sabalenka smashed her racquet as she missed out on an Australian Open hat-trick.

American Madison Keys became a major winner for the first time with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory in Melbourne.

Aryna Sabalenka smashing her tennis racket after a defeat.
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Aryna Sabalenka smashed her racquet after her defeat to Madison KeysCredit: Getty
Aryna Sabalenka smashing her racket after a tennis match defeat.
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Her racquet was left mangledCredit: Getty
Aryna Sabalenka throws her broken tennis racket after losing a match.
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Sabalenka threw the racquet to the waysideCredit: Getty
Aryna Sabalenka sits dejected, covered by a towel, after a tennis match.
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She was clearly upset after the defeatCredit: Reuters
Madison Keys celebrates winning a tennis match.
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Madison Keys became a major winner for the first timeCredit: AFP

The Belarussian world No.1 – champion Down Under in 2023 and 2024 – destroyed her equipment in a moment of rage as Keys cried with her family and friends on the Rod Laver Arena.

Sabalenka, 26, said: “I’ll come back stronger and do my best next year.

“I did my best but Madison was incredible. I couldn’t do anything in this match. Next time we play, I’ll bring better tennis.

“Madison, wow, what a tournament, you have been fighting really hard to get this trophy.”

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While she also took a cheeky swipe at her coaching team after the defeat.

Speaking live on TV she said: "Should I say anything to my team? As always, that’s your fault guys. I don’t wanna see you for the next week. I really hate you.

"No, thank you so much for everything you do for me blah blah blah."

Keys – who beat world No.2 Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals – is coached by her husband and had to contend with a nasty hamstring injury last summer.

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The Floridan, 29, received a cheque for £1.8MILLION, had tape on her left thigh as she made amends for losing to fellow Yank Sloane Stephens in the 2017 US Open final.

She said: “I’m glad I finally got Aryna back. We have the craziest matches.

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“To win my first Grand Slam here means the absolute world to me.

“I have wanted this for so long. My other final didn’t go my way – I didn’t know if I would ever get back to this position.

“My team believed in me every step of the way – so thank you so much.

"Last year was tough with bad injuries. I didn’t know if I could do it again.

“I’m dazed and confused right now. I cannot wait for more trophies.”

Madison Keys of the U.S. celebrates a tennis match victory.
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Keys was in tears after the match pointCredit: Reuters
Madison Keys and Aryna Sabalenka holding trophies after the Australian Open women's singles final.
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Sabalenka and Keys were all smiles in the endCredit: AFP
Madison Keys kissing the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
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Keys kissed the trophy after her winCredit: AFP
Madison Keys at a press conference after winning the Australian Open, holding a glass of champagne.
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The American had a glass of champagne in her press conferenceCredit: EPA
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