Madison Keys stunned No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to claim the Australian Open title on Saturday, a triumph that will delight American tennis fans who have followed Keys’ journey from a 14-year-old prodigy to a 29-year-old veteran. The victory, a hard-fought 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 win, marks Keys' first Grand Slam title and denies Sabalenka her third consecutive Australian Open crown.
For Keys, this moment was a redemption story. In her only previous Grand Slam final at the 2017 US Open, she faltered, losing decisively to her friend Sloane Stephens. This time, the 19th-seeded Keys seized control early, weathered Sabalenka’s resurgence in the second set, and delivered clutch tennis in the decisive third. She broke Sabalenka’s serve to seal the match, showcasing a mix of power, precision, and composure.
“I’ve wanted this for so long,” Keys said, her voice breaking as she lifted the trophy. “I didn’t know if I’d ever get back to this position, but my team believed in me every step of the way. Last year was so tough with injuries, and to be here holding this trophy is incredible. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me keep believing in myself.”
Keys' Path to Victory
Keys opened the match with exceptional play, finding her rhythm early with sharp returns and dominant forehands. She capitalized on her strong serve, making 86% of her first serves in the opening set and racing to a 5-1 lead. Although Sabalenka started to find her footing late in the first set, Keys remained resilient.
A critical moment came late in the third set with Keys down 15-30 on her serve. She delivered a perfectly placed serve down the T, followed by a stunning backhand winner off a blistering return from Sabalenka. The hold shifted momentum, putting pressure on Sabalenka to stay in the match. A few unforced errors from Sabalenka gave Keys match points, and on her second opportunity, Keys hit a bold forehand winner to clinch the title.
A Career-Defining Moment
This victory is particularly meaningful for Keys, whose path to the title was anything but easy. She defeated a string of top players, including No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals, No. 6 Elena Rybakina in the round of 16, and former Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins in the third round.
Many believed Keys’ window to win a major had closed, especially after a heartbreaking loss to Sabalenka in the 2021 US Open semifinals, where she let a commanding lead slip away. Keys referenced that match during the trophy ceremony, joking, “I’m glad I got you back.”
Keys’ Evolution
Though her career has long been celebrated, this title validates years of effort and adaptation. Keys credited technical and equipment changes made in the offseason for her success. At the suggestion of her husband and coach, Bjorn Fratangelo, she switched from her longtime Wilson racket to a lighter Yonex frame with polyester strings, allowing for more control and better handling of high-paced shots.
Known for her power, Keys said the adjustments improved her consistency and gave her the edge needed to compete at the highest level. The changes, combined with her mental fortitude, culminated in this career-defining achievement.
Madison Keys’ Australian Open victory cements her place among the sport’s elite and serves as a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and belief.
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