‘Disgusting’ – Aryna Sabalenka and team under fire for pretending to urinate on Australian Open trophy
Aryna Sabalenka and her coaching team have faced intense backlash from fans after the Australian Open final.
A video has surfaced showing Sabalenka and her team appearing to mockingly urinate on her Australian Open runner-up trophy.
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The world No. 1 suffered a crushing 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 defeat to Madison Keys in the women's singles final and her behaviour afterwards has sparked widespread criticism.
Sabalenka was aiming for a third consecutive Australian Open title, having claimed victory in both 2023 and 2024.
However, Keys, competing in her first Grand Slam final since 2017, pulled off a stunning upset to secure her maiden Major win.
Following the match, a video posted on social media showed Sabalenka, her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis, and her fitness coach Jason Stacy laughing as they appeared to mimic urinating over the trophy, which was placed on the floor.
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The trio were seen thrusting towards the trophy which many fans deemed highly disrespectful.
Responding to the clip circulating on social media, outraged fans shared their views.
"So not ok. Even if they're joking" one user wrote on X. "Isn't that disrespectful?" another penned.
A third commented, "What disgusting and disrespectful actions. They owe an explanation and a public apology for this terrible gesture."
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"No class, disrespectful from Sabalenka and team" added a fourth.
Sabalenka had already come under fire for her actions directly after the defeat, smashing her racket and breaking down into tears.
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In her post-match interview, Sabalenka admitted she had little regard for finishing as runner-up.
"I think when you get to the point of finals, it's trophy or nothing," she said.
"Nobody remembers the finalist, you know? Nobody puts, like, next to the winner, the finalist’s name.
"At this point, yeah, I go for titles. Of course, I have to be proud of myself for three finals in a row, that’s something crazy.
"I hope next year I’ll come back as a better player and hold Daphne [the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup] one more time."
Sabalenka had endured a challenging path to the final, overcoming close friend Paula Badosa in the semi-finals. But against the powerful hitting of Keys, she ultimately fell short.
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The Belarusian was visibly emotional after the loss.
While she graciously congratulated Keys on her victory, Sabalenka quickly retreated to her locker room, covering her face with a towel as the 15,000 fans in Rod Laver Arena looked on.
For Keys however, it was her first Grand Slam since 2017 and a maiden Major victory - even more impressive given her strong opponent on Aussie soil.
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