Aryna Sabalenka is making a habit of making accidental jokes while speaking to the crowd after big finals.
After losing the US Open final to Coco Gauff in 2023, the Belarusian ‘fired’ her team as she missed out on the chance to win her second Grand Slam title.
Sabalenka saw a one-set lead slip away against Gauff in a tough night in New York.
She has made at least the semi-final of every major in 2023 and then became the new world number one just two days after the final.
That did not soften the blow of missing out on a Grand Slam as she fought back the tears as she spoke to the crowd and the TV audience.
She said: “I just want to send a lot of love to my family, they will be awake and watching. Sorry for this result.”
While addressing her team, she added: “Thank you, guys. They know they will be fired after this tournament. As always, we will come back stronger.
“Thank you for everything you do for me and I really appreciate it and love you guys.”
The 26-year-old did eventually win her second Grand Slam title as she claimed her second Australian Open title.
