Tennis-Sabalenka rues tactical errors in Melbourne final

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 25, 2025 Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka looks dejected after losing the final against Madison Keys of the U.S. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Aryna Sabalenka said trying to out-muscle a similarly powerful Madison Keys in the Australian Open final was the wrong approach and she should have been more tactical after her bid to claim a third straight title at the Grand Slam ended in failure.

American 19th seed Keys produced some stunning ball-striking in the title clash at Rod Laver Arena to beat the Belarusian 6-3 2-6 7-5 after a two-hour battle on Saturday.