Madison Keys capped off her incredible journey to Grand Slam glory by defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in a thrilling Australian Open final on Saturday. The victory marked Keys’ first Grand Slam title and ended Sabalenka’s bid to secure a third consecutive Australian Open crown, a feat last achieved 26 years ago.
The 29-year-old Keys, seeded 19th, showcased resilience, composure, and powerful tennis to outlast the Belarusian two-time defending champion in a dramatic showdown at Rod Laver Arena. Her triumph not only halted Sabalenka’s 20-match winning streak in Melbourne but also solidified her as one of the oldest first-time Grand Slam winners in the Open Era.
A Decade in the Making: Keys’ Road to Glory
Madison Keys’ journey to becoming a Grand Slam champion has been a decade-long pursuit filled with ups and downs. She first made her mark as a teenager, winning her maiden WTA match at just 14 years old. Her talent and potential were evident early on, and she reached her first Grand Slam semifinal in Melbourne at the age of 19.
Despite several deep runs in major tournaments and a previous Grand Slam final appearance at the 2017 US Open, Keys had yet to lift a Grand Slam trophy. On Saturday, she finally achieved what many had long predicted for her, becoming the fourth-oldest first-time Grand Slam winner since the Open Era began in 1968.
“I can’t believe it,” Keys said in her post-match interview. “This is what I’ve worked for my entire career, and to achieve it here in Melbourne is a dream come true.”
Proof that good things happen to good people.
Your night, your time, your trophy, @Madison_keys.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/8CHg0n1ivs
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2025
The Match: A Battle of Power and Resilience
Keys entered the final with her left thigh heavily strapped, but she showed no signs of being hindered as she came out firing from the start. In just her second Grand Slam final, Keys looked composed and aggressive, using her powerful groundstrokes to dictate play against Sabalenka, who struggled with her serve early on.
Madison secured an immediate break in the first set, capitalizing on two Sabalenka double faults. Her first-serve accuracy was remarkable, landing 86% of her first serves in the opening set and firing 11 winners to Sabalenka’s four. Keys raced to a 5-1 lead and, despite Sabalenka clawing back one break, closed out the set 6-3 in 35 minutes.
Sabalenka, renowned for her fighting spirit, began to find her rhythm in the second set. Drawing on her experience of overcoming early deficits—such as her comeback win against Keys in the 2023 US Open semifinal—the Belarusian raised her level. She broke Keys twice, including with a stunning cross-court winner, to take the second set 6-2 and force a decider.
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The Decisive Third Set
The final set was a tense and high-quality affair, with both players trading powerful baseline blows. Keys showed her maturity and mental toughness, particularly in the third game when she held serve from 0-30 down. Neither player was willing to give an inch, and the set remained on serve until 5-6, when Sabalenka served to take the match to a tiebreak.
Madison seized the opportunity, bringing up two match points at 15-40. On the second match point, she unleashed her 29th winner of the match to clinch the title after 2 hours and 2 minutes of intense play. The American dropped to her knees in joy, tears streaming down her face as she celebrated the culmination of her long-awaited Grand Slam breakthrough.
Sabalenka Falls Short of Historic Three-Peat
Aryna Sabalenka entered the final with hopes of becoming the first woman in 26 years to win three consecutive Australian Open titles, a feat previously accomplished by tennis legends like Martina Hingis and Steffi Graf. The world No. 1 had been in dominant form throughout the tournament, and her fightback in the second set showcased her trademark grit and determination.
However, Sabalenka’s service struggles proved costly. She committed three double faults in the first set alone, giving Keys the momentum early on. Despite her valiant effort in the second set and flashes of brilliance in the third, Sabalenka was unable to overcome the composed and powerful performance of her opponent.
After the match, Sabalenka graciously congratulated Keys, saying, “She played incredible tennis today. I’m disappointed, but I’ll come back stronger.”
A Historic Moment for Keys
For Madison Keys, the victory in Melbourne represents the pinnacle of her career. After years of near misses and battling injuries, the American has finally fulfilled her potential as a Grand Slam champion. Her win over Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion and the world’s top-ranked player, highlights Keys’ ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.
Keys’ journey to the title included a stunning semifinal victory over five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, where she saved a match point and triumphed in a 10-point final set tiebreak. Her run to the title in Melbourne has cemented her legacy as one of the game’s fiercest competitors.
What’s Next?
Madison Keys’ victory at the Australian Open marks a new chapter in her career. With her maiden Grand Slam title now in hand, Keys will look to build on this momentum throughout the season. For Sabalenka, the defeat serves as motivation to regroup and continue her pursuit of further Grand Slam success.
The 2025 Australian Open will be remembered as the tournament where Madison Keys finally realized her potential, delivering a performance that will inspire fans and players alike.
