Google News Madison Keys candidly tells how it feels after heartbreaking loss to Aryna Sabalenka
by DZEVAD MESIC
Madison Keys didn't want to sugarcoat anything following her US Open exit as she admitted it just "sucks" to lose the way she did to Aryna Sabalenka. Keys, ranked at No 17 in the world, had a 6-0 5-3 lead over second-seeded Sabalenka in their US Open semifinal match.
But then, Keys failed to close out the match and Sabalenka created a stunning 1-6 7-6 (1) 7-6 (5) comeback. Although it was very disappointing for Keys to lose that way, she also noted there was still something positive she could take from her US Open run.
“Everyone at the start of the tournament would obviously be really, really excited to be in the semis. Right now it sucks. But yeah, I just think being able to, you know, take this and turn it to a positive is really possible.
Yeah, there is still a lot to be proud of and still tons of tennis to play this season," Keys said after the loss.
Keys: I was tight when serving for the match, Sabalenka played free
At 6-0 5-3, it appeared that the match would shortly be ending with a routine straight-set win for Keys.
But then, Sabalenka broke back Keys to love when the American was serving for the match in the 10th game. After dominating the second-set tie-break to force a decider, Sabalenka also delivered in the third-set tie-break to complete her comeback win. “I started really well.
I don’t think she was playing her best at the start. Then from the second set, it just, you know, got a lot closer. I was obviously up a break, and I think serving for it I was tight. She played free. Then from there, it just seemed like it was really, you know, kind of neck and neck.
Overall I actually thought it was a really good match and pretty high level. Just unfortunately on the losing end. Playing in a stadium full of people that are behind me is always amazing. I definitely tried to leave it all out there tonight and do my best, and that’s all you can do," Keys said.