Aryna Sabalenka has become the 5th player in the Open Era to reach five consecutive Women’s singles Grand Slam finals on hardcourt, matching a record that hasn’t been seen in 25 years.

Aryna Sabalenka has achieved a new incredible record on the courts of the Australian Open. The Belarusian, beating her friend Paula Badosa, has got her third consecutive final in Melbourne (who is playing right now against Madison Keys ).

Sabalenka smashed her racket on the bench after Madison Keys prevented her from completing an Australian Open three-peat.

Steffi Graf (1988-90) and Monica Seles (1991-93) have also achieved the feat, but Sabalenka was quick not to overlook her upcoming clash with Badosa

Her racquet smash and swift exit took the focus off the new champion, but she says there was a good reason for it all.

Aryna Sabalenka broke down in tears on her bench after failing to defend her Australian Open title against Madison Keys in the final.

In their head-to-head matchups, Sabalenka has had the upper hand, winning four of their five previous encounters.

American Madison Keys stunned world No. 2 Iga Świątek in an all-time Australian Open classic, coming from a set down to win 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8) and set up a final showdown against Aryna Sabalenka.