Aryna Sabalenka admits learning how to deal with losses has been "the hardest lesson" for her as she wants to win every time she steps onto the court but also doesn't want to be disrespectful to her opponent after finishing on the losing side.
Throughout her career, the 27-year-old has never been shy of expressing her feelings on the court and she is the first to admit that she is very emotional.
But while the Belarusian is no stranger to celebrating passionately after big wins, she is also not a stranger to looking very frustrated or annoyed when things don't go well.
Most of the time Im losing, learning how to lose is the hardest lesson. First, youre not accepting the loss, and youre acting like a b----," Sabalenka told Flaunt Magazine.
"To learn how to lose and still be a good person and understand that this is just a moment... Thats hard. You know, Im world number one, but I won four tournaments.
[Its important to] still enjoy life while youre not having the success you wish you would have on the court.
Sabalenka's act after the Australian Open final is an example of what she is talking about
After Madison Keys beat the world No. 1 6-3 2-6 7-5 to prevent the Belarusian from completing a three-peat at the Australian Open, the 27-year-old went to her chair and smashed her racket several times.
Then, the 2023 and 2024 Australian Open champion put a towel over her head before leaving the court.
When she returned, it was time for the trophy presentation and speeches.
Sabalenka smashing a racket was met with certain criticism.
But in her presser, the Belarusian explained that she needed to take out her frustration on something because she absolutely didn't want to be disrespectful to Keys in any way possible.
