AO2025: Keys surprise Sabalenka to script 1st ever Grand Slam title after a 3 set showdown

 


Madison Keys shocked the tennis world by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in the Australian Open final on Saturday, claiming her maiden Grand Slam title at the age of 29.

The American denied world number one Sabalenka the chance to become the first woman in 26 years to win three consecutive singles titles at Melbourne Park.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Keys celebrated with a yell and tears of joy after surviving a fierce comeback from the Belarusian, who had previously won the tournament in 2023 and 2024. Sabalenka, whose 20-match winning streak at Melbourne Park was snapped, buried her face in a towel in disappointment.

Appearing in just her second Grand Slam final, Keys started strong despite playing with her left thigh strapped. She displayed remarkable composure and precision, pressuring Sabalenka from the outset.

An early double fault by Sabalenka helped Keys secure a break in the opening game, setting the tone for the first set. Keys maintained her dominance, landing an impressive 86% of her first serves, and broke Sabalenka once more to race to a 5-1 lead. Despite a brief resurgence from Sabalenka, Keys closed out the set in 35 minutes with 11 winners compared to her opponent’s four.

Sabalenka, known for her resilience, found herself in familiar territory, having dropped the opening set in the 2023 final before rallying to victory. She also staged a dramatic comeback against Keys in the 2023 US Open semifinals, a memory likely fueling both players as the match progressed.

In the second set, Sabalenka rediscovered her rhythm, breaking Keys twice to level the match after an hour and 20 minutes. Her improved shot timing and aggressive play shifted the momentum in her favor.

However, the more experienced and mentally tough Keys refused to falter. Drawing on her semifinal victory over Iga Swiatek, which featured a grueling 10-point final set tiebreak, Keys held her nerve in the decider.

The final set was a gripping baseline duel, with both players unleashing relentless power. Keys held her ground in crucial moments, notably fending off a 0-30 deficit in the third game. The battle remained evenly poised until 5-6, when Sabalenka served to force a tiebreak.

Seizing the opportunity, Keys earned two match points and clinched the championship on the second, smashing her 29th winner after two hours and two minutes of intense play.

The victory marks a career milestone for Keys and a testament to her perseverance and growth as a player.


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