"That's all your fault" - Aryna Sabalenka hilariously blames her team "for helping her lose another final" after Italian Open defeat to Iga Swiatek 

Aryna Sabalenka hilariously blamed her team after losing in the 2024 Italian Open final to Iga Swiatek. This marked the Belarusian's second consecutive championship match loss to the Pole this season.

Sabalenka reached the title bout in Rome after defeating Katie Volynets, Dayana Yastremska, Elina Svitolina, Jelena Ostapenko, and Danielle Collins. Meanwhile, Swiatek had a comparatively easier path, not losing any sets while overcoming Bernarda Pera, Yulia Putintseva, Angelique Kerber, Madison Keys, and Coco Gauff.

Sabalenka and Swiatek faced off on May 18, each hoping to gain a crucial boost ahead of the French Open. The match was largely one-sided, as the World No. 1 defeated her opponent 6-2, 6-3 in dominant fashion to win her third trophy on the red clay of the Italian capital.

Following that, Aryna Sabalenka teased her team during her runner-up speech, saying it was all their "fault" that she lost yet another final.

"Of course, last but not least, I wanna thank my team for helping me lose another final. That's all your fault guys now," the reigning Australian Open champion said.

Before the Italian Open, Sabalenka and Swiatek met in the final of the Madrid Open. The Belarusian was aiming to defend her title but ultimately couldn't do so against a resilient Swiatek, who took the trophy home after a hard-fought three-set battle. It was a repeat of last year's final.

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Aryna Sabalenka: "It wasn't the final I expected, didn't play my best at all"

Aryna Sabalenka (L) pictured at the Italian Open 2024

During her post-match press conference, Aryna Sabalenka expressed her regret about not being able to play her "best" in the 2024 Italian Open final against Iga Swiatek.

"It wasn't the final I really expected. Didn't play my best at all," the Belarusian said.

However, Sabalenka added that despite the result, she would remain "positive" because she has gone through a lot over the past few weeks.

"Anyway, I'm going to be positive after these couple of weeks," the 26-year-old said. "I went through so many things during these weeks. I'm proud that I was able to, no matter what, stay there, to keep winning, to keep fighting my way to the final. Even though it didn't go my way, I'm still happy with the result here in Rome."

Next up for both Sabalenka and Swiatek is the French Open, starting on May 26 (main draw), where the latter is the defending champion.