Aryna Sabalenka shrugs off Aus Open devastation with iconic speech after losing final to Madison Keys

A shattered Aryna Sabalenka has shrugged off the devastation of losing an epic Australian Open final to deliver an instantly iconic speech.

The world No.1 destroyed her racquet and shed tears immediately after losing 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 to Madison Keys in one of the great finals.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Aryna Sabalenka roasts team with hilarious speech.

Sabalenka looked on track to become the first women in 25 years to complete a hat-trick of titles when she fought back from a set down against in Saturday night’s final.

But despite looking the likely winner during the final set, Sabalenka came up short as Keys produced a string of stunning shots to seal her first major title.

The final point was a clean winner from the forehand of Keys. And as she watched that shot sail past her, Sabalenka yelled in frustration before making her way to the net to congratulate her opponent.

But as Keys celebrated the biggest moment of her career, Sabalenka smashed her racquet in frustration at the missed opportunity.

She then sat with a towel over her face and appeared to shed tears before disappearing off the court.

However, Sabalenka returned for the presentation and showed her class with a brilliant speech.

She quickly paid tribute to Keys before thanking the crowd and then dropping in some jokes towards her team.

“First of all, Madison, what a tournament. You have been fighting really hard to get this trophy. Congratulations to you and your team, really well deserved and enjoy the celebration, the really fun part,” she began.

“I just want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who made this tournament happen, thank you to everyone who made my stay comfortable. I really feel like home every time I’m here and even though I didn’t get it this year, I will come back stronger and do my best next year.

“Thank you, guys, for an amazing atmosphere throughout the two weeks. I enjoyed playing in front of you and thank you so much.

“Oh my god, I’m speechless, for real. Thank you so much for your help throughout the two weeks.”

She then turned to her team for some light-hearted banter that had the crowd in hysterics.

“Should I say anything to my team? As always, that’s your fault, guys. I don’t want to see you for the next week, I really hate you,” she said.

“Thank you so much for everything you do for me and blah blah blah.”

She did finish her speech by thanking her team for real and saying she loved them.