Madison Keys, the 19th seed from America, pulled off an incredible victory at the 2025 Australian Open. She faced world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, a two-time defending champion, and won decisively with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. This win marked Keys’ first Grand Slam title.
This historic moment was especially significant for 29-year-old Keys. After losing in the finals of the 2017 U.S. Open, it had been eight long years since she reached such heights. Her previous best showing at the Australian Open was a semifinal appearance in 2015.
With this win, Keys became the first American woman to take the Australian Open title since Sofia Kenin in 2020. Holding back tears, she expressed her joy, saying, “I’ve wanted this for so long,” as she accepted her trophy.
Keys set the tone early in the match. She broke Sabalenka’s serve right away, quickly establishing a 5-1 lead in the first set. Even after a brief setback where she lost her serve, Keys bounced back and secured the first set.
In the second set, Keys initially kept her momentum, but Sabalenka regrouped. She won five consecutive games to take the set and keep the match competitive.
The third set was intense. Both players held their serves for the first 11 games, creating an electric atmosphere. Then, at 6-5, Keys managed to break Sabalenka’s serve, setting up two championship points. With a powerful crosscourt winner, she clinched her first major title.
Throughout the tournament, Keys had an impressive run, overcoming several tough opponents. She defeated No. 10 Danielle Collins and then shocked No. 6 Elena Rybakina in the fourth round. In the quarterfinals, she came back from a set down against No. 28 Elina Svitolina and reached the final after an exhilarating semifinal against No. 2 Iga Swiatek that went to a tiebreaker.
Having turned pro 16 years ago, Keys has faced many ups and downs in her career. Her previous highest rank was No. 7 in 2016. Now, with this victory, she may be on the brink of an exciting new chapter in her tennis journey.
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Madison Keys,Aryna Sabalenka,Australian Open,American
