Madison Keys, a determined American player, won her first Grand Slam title on Saturday, defeating defending champion Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open. The final score in Melbourne was 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.
This was Keys’ second major final and her first in over seven years. At 29, she has become one of only four women to win their first Grand Slam after turning 29.
Keys, seeded 19th and quite emotional about her victory, said, “I have wanted this for so long. I never knew if I’d be in this position again.” After the match, she embraced her husband and coach, Bjorn Fratangelo, in a touching moment.
Sabalenka, from Belarus, the world’s number one, was trying for a third consecutive victory at the Australian Open. After the match, she congratulated Keys but was visibly frustrated, smashing her racquet and covering her head with a towel. Still, fans welcomed her with applause when she returned to the court.
“Madison was incredible, and I couldn’t do anything,” she admitted. “Next time I play Madison, I will bring better tennis.“
Key’s Journey to the Top
Keys’ journey back to the top was challenging. She had previously lost the 2017 US Open final to Sloane Stephens, and injuries caused her to drop out of the top 50. After a comeback in 2022, she returned stronger to the top 10.
In this tournament, Keys defeated several top players, including Iga Swiatek, in the semi-finals, becoming the first to beat the top two seeds at a major since 2009.
Sabalenka entered the match as the favourite but struggled against Keys’ powerful baseline play. Keys dominated the first set, hitting 11 winners.
Although Sabalenka improved in the second set, the final set turned tense. Keys clinched the victory with a remarkable cross-court forehand winner in the 12th game.
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