Aryna Sabalenka criticized for controversial gesture after Australian Open loss to Madison Keys

Aryna Sabalenka faced backlash after a viral video showed her team mocking the Australian Open runner-up trophy.

Former world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has faced criticism after a video surfaced online showing her and members of her coaching team engaging in a controversial post-match celebration with her Australian Open runner-up trophy. The incident occurred after Sabalenka’s dramatic loss to Madison Keys in the women’s singles final.

Sabalenka, who had been vying for her third consecutive Australian Open title after winning in 2023 and 2024, was defeated by Keys 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. This marked Keys' first Grand Slam victory since her last final appearance in 2017, overcoming the heavily favored Sabalenka in a stunning upset.

Let's all pee on it. 😂😂 #sabalenka pic.twitter.com/aJL30vn9BQ

— Tennis GIFs🎾🎥 (tip jar🫙📌) (@tennis_gifs) January 25, 2025

The video in question showed Sabalenka, her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis, and her fitness coach Jason Stacy laughing and performing pelvic thrusts over the runner-up trophy, which was placed on the floor, pretending to urinate over it. The actions were widely criticized by fans on social media, who described them as disrespectful and called for an explanation and public apology.

Sabalenka addressed her disappointment following the loss, stating, "At this point, it’s trophy or nothing. Nobody remembers the finalist." While she acknowledged reaching three consecutive finals as an impressive feat, fans continued to express disapproval over the incident, branding her and her team’s behavior as lacking respect.

Photo: Getty Images

Despite the controversy, Sabalenka’s journey to the final showcased her determination, defeating close friend Paula Badosa in the semi-finals. However, her frustration was evident during and after the match, including smashing her racket and breaking into tears. She congratulated Keys before storming off the court in frustration.

For Keys, the victory represented a career milestone, breaking a six-year drought for a Grand Slam title and cementing her return to the top of women’s tennis.