Madison Keys Claims First Grand Slam Title with Stunning Win Over Aryna Sabalenka at Australian Open
Madison Keys clinched her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open with a thrilling 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory over Aryna Sabalenka, upsetting the two-time champion in an unforgettable final.
By adding this win over the No. 1-ranked Sabalenka to an elimination of No. 2, Iga Swiatek, in the semifinals on Thursday, saving a match point along the way, Keys is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2005 to defeat both of the WTA’s top two players at Melbourne Park.
A Dramatic Final with Key Moments
The match began with Keys establishing dominance, taking the first set in convincing fashion. Sabalenka, however, bounced back in the second set, leveling the match and leaving the outcome uncertain. But Keys, with steely determination, found her rhythm in the final set, ultimately securing the win and claiming her place in tennis history.
Madison Keys' First Grand Slam Title
This victory not only secures Keys’ first Grand Slam trophy, also solidifies her standing among the best in the game. Her ability to stay calm under pressure in the third set, especially when serving for the title, was a testament to her growth as a player. Sabalenka, who has been dominant in recent years, couldn’t match Keys' poise in the final moments.
The win has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, with Keys’ performance representing a stunning upset in one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments. Fans and analysts alike are praising her composure and resilience, which were crucial in toppling one of the sport’s current titans.
Looking Ahead: Madison Keys’ Future in Tennis
When it ended, Keys covered her face with her hands, then raised her arms. After that, she was hugging her husband, Bjorn Fratangelo, who has been her coach since 2023, and other members of her team, before sitting on her sideline bench and laughing.
As an unusual fact, Keys is the oldest woman to become a first-time major champion since Flavia Pennetta, who was 33 at the 2015 U.S. Open. This was the 46th Slam appearance for Keys, which ranks as the third-most major tournaments before winning a trophy in the Open era, behind only Pennetta’s 49 and Marion Bartoli’s 47 when she won Wimbledon in 2013.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2015/09/12/1688916-35776819-2560-1440.jpg "Flavia Penetta when she won the U.S. Open in 2015. Photo: Eurosport.")
Flavia Penetta when she won the U.S. Open in 2015. Photo: Eurosport.
Now that she has secured her first Grand Slam, the 29-year-old American will be looking to build on this success in future tournaments. With her confidence at an all-time high, Keys could very well be on her way to even greater achievements in the sport.