Madison Keys created a career-defining display of tennis to beat top seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in a pulsating Australian Open final on Saturday to win her maiden Grand Slam title, MySportDab Reports.
The 29-year-old American, seeded 19th, fought off nerves and a spirited comeback from Sabalenka to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after an intense two-hour battle.
Keys’ victory makes her the fourth-oldest first-time Grand Slam champion in the professional era and ends the dream of a third successive Melbourne Park crown for Sabalenka.
A quick start from Keys saw her capitalise on double faults and errors from Sabalenka as she secured a double break, dominating the first set. The Belarusian then regrouped in the second, using smart variation of shot to level the match.
In the decider, both players exchanged powerhouse serves and groundstrokes before Keys unleashed blistering winners at 5-5 to take the final two games and seal the biggest win of her career.
“This means the absolute world to me,” an emotional Keys said, breaking down in tears as she cradled the trophy. “I didn’t know if I’d ever get this chance again, but my team believed in me even when I didn’t.”
Keys became the first player to defeat the world No. 1 and No. 2 at a Grand Slam since 2009 and the first to do so at the Australian Open since Serena Williams in 2003.
Sabalenka, gracious in defeat, praised Keys while humorously blaming her own team. “Madison, wow, what a tournament. I’ll come back stronger next year,” she said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Keys’ victory crowns a remarkable journey from losing in the 2017 U.S. Open final to winning a Grand Slam and cements her legacy in women’s tennis.
