Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, has long been celebrated for her fiery passion and emotional intensity on the court. Her powerful serves and relentless aggression have secured her three Grand Slam titles, including the 2023 and 2024 Australian Opens and the 2024 US Open. Yet, her behavior following high-stakes losses, particularly in major finals, has sparked a growing debate, with former doubles No. 1 and Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs voicing pointed criticism. After Sabalenka’s racket-smashing outburst following her defeat to Madison Keys in the 2025 Australian Open final, Stubbs called the display “not a good look,” urging the Belarusian to curb such reactions to preserve her reputation as a gracious competitor.
The 2025 Australian Open final was a heart-wrenching moment for Sabalenka, who aimed to become the first woman since Martina Hingis to win three consecutive titles in Melbourne. Facing Keys, a resurgent American, Sabalenka battled through a thrilling three-setter, ultimately falling 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. As Keys celebrated her first Grand Slam triumph, Sabalenka’s frustration boiled over. Believing a critical return by Keys in the final game was out, she angrily confronted her player’s box, smashed her racket, and briefly stormed off the court before returning for the trophy ceremony. “I think the reason why Sabalenka lost her mind after the match, which was not a good look, was that she thought the return was out,” Stubbs said on her podcast, emphasizing that the timing of the outburst detracted from Keys’ moment of glory. “She’s such a good loser normally, so gracious… but you can’t take that moment away from Madison.”
Sabalenka’s emotional eruptions are not new. Her aggressive playing style, which yields both staggering winners and unforced errors, mirrors her off-court demeanor—a blend of infectious humor and raw intensity. Fans adore her for lighthearted moments, like laughing through a power outage during a 2025 Stuttgart Open interview or joking about buying a Porsche after losing another final there. Yet, her post-loss meltdowns, including racket-smashing after the 2023 US Open final loss to Coco Gauff and reported instances of throwing objects backstage, have drawn scrutiny. “It’s not funny,” Stubbs remarked, suggesting that Sabalenka’s pattern of letting “negative emotions” spill over risks overshadowing her sportsmanship. Sabalenka herself acknowledged the Australian Open incident, explaining, “There definitely was a bit of frustration because I was so close to achieving something crazy. I just needed to throw those negative emotions at the end just so I could give a speech, not stand there being disrespectful.”
The critique has ignited a broader conversation, with former player Andrea Petkovic offering a counterpoint. “You live and die by the sword that you swing,” Petkovic argued, defending Sabalenka’s emotional authenticity. “If we love Sabalenka for the emotions she displays, we have to take the bad emotions with it. We can’t have all the funny dances and the warrior in her without the other part.” Petkovic’s perspective resonates with fans who see Sabalenka’s outbursts as human, a natural response to the crushing pressure of elite competition. Social media discussions have highlighted perceived double standards, noting that male players like Alexander Zverev, who smashed multiple rackets during the 2025 Australian Open, faced less backlash.
At 26, Sabalenka remains a polarizing figure—a champion whose vulnerability endears her to some and frustrates others. Her ability to rebound is undeniable; after losing the 2023 US Open final, she claimed the title in 2024. “I’m the one who knows that after tough losses, there is good wins,” she said, vowing to return stronger in 2026. As she prepares for the clay season, including the Madrid Open, the challenge for Sabalenka lies in balancing her fiery spirit with the composure expected of a world No. 1. Stubbs’ critique serves as a reminder that in the spotlight, every action carries weight, and for Sabalenka, mastering her emotions could be as crucial as mastering her forehand.