Madison Keys claimed her first Grand Slam title with a hard-fought win over Aryna Sabalenka in Melbourne.
Keys Secures Victory in a Three-Set Thriller
The 29-year-old American defeated top-seeded defending champion Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus 6:3, 2:6, 7:5. Keys displayed exceptional focus and resilience in the high-stakes final. Earlier, she had knocked out Poland’s Iga Swiatek, the tournament’s second seed, in the semi-finals.
This victory marked Keys’ first Grand Slam title and came in her second attempt in a major final. She had previously lost to Sloane Stephens in the 2017 US Open final.
Sabalenka’s Winning Streak Ends
Aryna Sabalenka suffered her first loss at the Australian Open in three years. A win would have made her the sixth player to claim three consecutive titles in Melbourne. The last player to achieve this feat was Martina Hingis, who won from 1997 to 1999.
Although she entered the final as the favorite, Sabalenka couldn’t overcome Keys’ powerful performance and determination. Her remarkable streak at this tournament came to an unexpected end.
Keys Enters Tennis History
At 29 years old, Keys became the oldest first-time Grand Slam champion since 2015. That year, Italy’s Flavia Pennetta won the US Open at age 33.
Keys’ triumph solidifies her place among tennis’ elite. This milestone victory crowns a career filled with perseverance and dedication.