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Aryna Sabalenka revealed that she was left in tears after blowing a 3-0 lead in the deciding set of the Australian Open final. Elena Rybakina reeled off six of the last seven games to win 6-4 4-6 6-4, claiming her second Grand Slam title, and her first Down Under. Two-time former champion Sabalenka covered her head with a towel while waiting for the trophy ceremony to begin.

And Sabalenka found herself in the press conference room within an hour of leaving the court. It was an eventful few minutes, as the world No. 1 jokingly swore at her team and revealed that her coaches were steering clear of her after a "hysterical" moment.

The four-time Grand Slam champion burst out laughing when asked to assess the match and her performance. "I mean, she played incredible match, and I try my very best. I was fighting until the very last point," Sabalenka said.

"I had my opportunities. It feels like I missed couple, but I mean, it's tennis. You know, today you're loser; tomorrow you're winner. Hopefully I'll be more of a winner this season than a loser. Hoping right now and praying."

The Belarusian suffered some brutal losses in Grand Slam finals at the Australian Open and French Open last year, but seemed in much better spirits this time around, especially given her laughter at the start of her press conference. But Sabalenka also admitted that she had been crying.

She continued: "I was laughing and crying. It was hysterical moment, but nothing really productive from that conversation. I was just let everything go out and try to - I was really upset with myself, I would say, because once again, I had opportunities. I played great until certain point, and then I couldn't resist that aggression that she had on court today.

"I was just really upset with myself, but I think overall I played great tennis here in Australia. Even in this final I feel like I played great. I was fighting. I did my best, and today she was a better player. So I don't know. We'll speak with the team. Now they try to avoid and escape me because they see that it's not really healthy to be around me right now!"

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