Madison Keys Secures First Grand Slam Title at Australian Open
In a stunning upset, underdog Madison Keys defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in the Australian Open final on Saturday, capturing her first Grand Slam title at the age of 29.
The victory for Keys dashed world number one Sabalenka’s hopes of making history by winning a third consecutive singles title at Melbourne Park, a feat not achieved in 26 years.
After a fierce comeback from the two-time defending champion Sabalenka, Keys was overcome with emotion as she celebrated her hard-fought triumph, shedding tears of joy upon clinching the championship.
For Sabalenka, who had reigned victorious in 2023 and 2024, the loss marked the end of an impressive 20-match winning streak at Melbourne Park, as she buried her face in a towel in disappointment.
Keys’ journey to this momentous win has been a remarkable one, spanning 15 years from her days as a teenage sensation to now a major champion. The American prodigy first made waves at just 14 years old when she won her first WTA Tour match, sparking predictions of a future world number one.
Although it took a decade, Keys finally fulfilled those high expectations by claiming her maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, a tournament where she reached her first major semi-final as a 19-year-old a decade ago.
Securing her place in tennis history, Keys becomes the fourth oldest player to win a major for the first time in the Open Era that began in 1968, achieving this feat in just her second Grand Slam final.
Despite facing adversity with a strapped left thigh, Keys displayed unwavering focus and exceptional skill on the court, applying pressure on Sabalenka right from the start. Capitalizing on Sabalenka’s double faults, Keys took an early lead and dominated the first set with her precise serves.
As Sabalenka fought back in the second set, showcasing her renowned resilience, Keys remained composed and resilient, holding her ground and maintaining a fierce competition throughout the match.
With the final set hanging in the balance, both players engaged in a fierce battle of baseline hitting, neither willing to back down. In a tense finale, Keys seized the opportunity and clinched the championship with a powerful winner after a grueling 2-hour and 2-minute match.
