Melbourne: American underdog Madison Keys has made history by clinching her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. Madison defeated defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. This victory marks a significant milestone for Keys, who had not reached a major final in over seven years.
An Emotional Victory
The 29-year-old Keys, seeded 19th in the tournament, could hardly believe her triumph. After the match, she embraced her husband and coach, Bjorn Fratangelo, sharing an emotional moment. “I have wanted this for so long. I never knew if I’d be in this position again,” Keys expressed, reflecting on her long journey to this moment.
In contrast, Sabalenka, just 25, was aiming for her third consecutive Australian Open title. After a hard-fought match, she warmly congratulated Keys at the net but quickly showed frustration by smashing her racquet and covering her head with a towel before leaving the court. Upon her return, she received a warm ovation from the 15,000 fans at Rod Laver Arena. Sabalenka praised Keys, stating, “Madison was incredible, and I couldn’t do anything. Next time I play Madison, I will bring better tennis.”
A Long-Awaited Return
Madison Keys’ journey to this moment has not been easy. After reaching the 2018 French Open and US Open semis, she struggled with injuries and fell out of the top 50.
However, her resilience paid off when she made a strong comeback, returning to the top 10 in early 2022 and reaching the semi-finals at the 2023 US Open.
In this tournament, Keys showed remarkable determination. She had previously lost to Sabalenka in the semifinals of the US Open, where she regretted playing “too safe.” With renewed confidence, she managed to upset the odds, defeating several top players along the way. She defeated second seed Iga Swiatek in the semis, becoming the first player since Serena Williams in 2005 to beat the top two seeds at the Australian Open.
Keys vs. Sabalenka: A Gripping Final
Entering the match, Sabalenka was the favorite, having won 33 of her last 34 matches on hard courts in Australia. However, Keys’ powerful baseline game posed a significant challenge for the Belarusian. The final was intense, with Keys winning only one more point overall than Sabalenka.
The first set showcased Keys’ incredible talent, as she delivered 11 winners and maintained a strong first serve. Sabalenka struggled with her serve, allowing Keys to break early. Keys capitalized on Sabalenka’s mistakes and played aggressively, taking the first set with a backhand winner.
Sabalenka regrouped during the break and came back stronger in the second set, dominating with improved play. Despite a shaky start, she found her rhythm and forced a decisive third set. The tension mounted as both players fought hard, with no break points until the critical 12th game.
In the end, Keys raised her game and executed a stunning cross-court forehand winner to seal her victory. “She played incredible,” Sabalenka remarked. “I was trying my best. Obviously, it didn’t work well.”
A Historic Achievement
Madison Keys’ victory at the Australian Open is a testament to her perseverance and talent. At 29, she joins an exclusive group of women who have won their first Grand Slam title at an older age. Her inspiring journey and hard-fought triumph will be remembered as a significant moment in tennis history, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of the sport.
