Madison Keys clinched her first Grand Slam title on Saturday, defeating two-time defending champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in a thrilling Australian Open women’s final.
The 29-year-old American started the match in outstanding form, with every aspect of her game clicking – her serve was flawless, her returns were aggressive, and her groundstrokes matched Sabalenka’s renowned power. This gave her a strong lead, taking the first set comfortably.
However, Sabalenka showed her usual dominance in the second set, and Keys’ smooth rhythm began to falter, allowing the Belarusian to fight her way back into the match. The momentum seemed to shift towards Sabalenka as she fought hard to level the match.
Keys had come close to a Grand Slam title in the past, reaching the US Open final in 2017 and four major semifinals. But in the deciding set, she held her composure, breaking Sabalenka at 7-5, before raising her arms in victory. She then ran to her team, where she embraced her coach and husband, Bjorn Fratangelo, in celebration.
Madison Keys, once considered a tennis prodigy with immense potential, had never quite lived up to the high expectations placed on her – until now. She had previously faced tough losses, including a crushing 6-3, 6-0 defeat to Sloane Stephens in the 2017 US Open final and a heartbreaking semifinal loss to Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open, despite holding a set and a break advantage.
Reflecting on her victory in her on-court interview, an emotional Keys said, “I have wanted this for so long. I’ve been in one other Grand Slam final and it didn’t go my way, and I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be in this position again to win a trophy.” She thanked her team for their unwavering belief in her, adding, “Last year was so tough with some really bad injuries, and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to do it again. To be here with this trophy and to share it with my husband, who looks a bit dazed and confused, I love you all so much and can’t wait for more.”
This year, Keys’ journey seemed different. She entered the final with a stunning tournament run, overcoming top-ranked players like Elena Rybakina, Danielle Collins, and world No. 2 Iga Świątek. She became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2005 to defeat both the world No. 1 and No. 2 seeds at the Australian Open.
Madison Keys carried her impressive form into the final, starting with remarkable intensity that left Aryna Sabalenka scrambling. Keys quickly raced to a 5-1 lead, with Sabalenka struggling to find her rhythm. The world No. 1 seemed unusually unsettled, committing two double faults and a break in her first service game. However, it was Keys’ superb play that forced Sabalenka into making numerous mistakes.
In the first set, Keys missed only three first serves, and every shot she played appeared to find its mark. Even a backhand slice that looked destined to hit the net somehow floated over it, leaving Sabalenka stranded at the baseline, unable to do anything but watch the ball sail past her.
Keys sealed the first set 6-3, while Sabalenka quickly left the court to regroup and attempt a comeback.
In the second set, Sabalenka found her serve again, allowing her to gain a better foothold in the match. Meanwhile, Keys, who had been nearly flawless in the first set, began to make mistakes. Shots that had previously been winners now flew long or into the net, and she hit as many unforced errors in the first four games of the second set as she had throughout the entire first set.
Sabalenka broke Keys twice, took control of the second set, and the match was suddenly tied.
With the pressure mounting, Madison Keys served first in the third set and set the tone right away, winning every point in her opening service game. Aryna Sabalenka kept pace, and the score stayed level at 5-5. It was the closest a women’s Grand Slam final had been in the third set since 2012.
The match appeared to be heading for a tiebreak, but Keys found a burst of energy when it mattered most. She hit two forehand winners to hold serve and go up 6-5, then broke Sabalenka with another winner to seal the match at 7-5 and claim the victory.
Sabalenka, who had been aiming to become the first woman in 26 years to win three consecutive Australian Open titles, was visibly stunned. In frustration, she smashed her racket on the court, but soon recovered, congratulated Keys, and shared some lighthearted moments with her team during the trophy ceremony.
She joked, “As always, that’s your fault, guys! I don’t want to see you for the next week – I really hate you! Thank you so much for everything and blah, blah blah.”
Sabalenka acknowledged Keys’ incredible performance, saying, “I think we did our best, but Madison was just incredible and I couldn’t do anything in this match. Next time I play Madison, I’ll bring better tennis. Of course, sending love to my team. I love you, even though we lost.”