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Aryna Sabalenka declared her Australian Open final loss as "the toughest one" and shared that it took her a full week to stop thinking about falling just short in a thriller clash.
After winning back-to-back titles at Melbourne Park in 2023 and 2024, the Belarusian reached her third consecutive final at the Happy Slam and everything was ready for her to become the sixth player to complete a three-peat at the tournament.
But then, an inspired Madison Keys ruined those plans after edging out the world No. 1 in the Australian Open final 6-3 2-6 7-5.
Shortly after the American hit a forehand winner to seal the win, Sabalenka went to her bench - slammed her racket in frustration - and also put a towel over her head.
Now two weeks later, the 26-year-old is returning to action in Doha.
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Sabalenka: The Australian Open final loss was the toughest one
"This one was the toughest one. I think for a week I was still thinking about that match," the three-time Grand Slam winner admitted.
"Honestly, looking back and thinking about those two lost games [in the final set], I didn't do anything wrong, she just played out of her mind, and it was her day - there's nothing to regret.
"I think right now I'm fully recovered after that tough match."
In her pre-tournament presser in Qatar, Sabalenka suggested that there wasn't much time for her to prepare for the WTA 1000 tournaments in Doha and Dubai because she also needed some time to rest after a deep Australian Open run.
"I believe I'll just take these two tournaments as preparation for the Sunshine one, and I'll try to build my tennis, and probably take my tennis to the next level in these two events," she explained.
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After making that statement, the world No. 1 suffered a surprise loss in her opening Doha match as Ekaterina Alexandrova stunned her 3-6 6-3 7-6 (5).
