Madison Keys Wins First Grand Slam Title At Australian Open

• Madison Keys wins her maiden grand slam title at the Australian Open.

• She defeated two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a nail-biting final.

• Keys showcased stellar performance with impeccable serve and powerful groundstrokes.

Madison Keys of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Iga Swiatek of Poland in their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP

AP

Madison Keys secured her maiden grand slam victory in a thrilling Australian Open women's final, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a nail-biting encounter. The American, aged 29, showcased a stellar performance, dominating the match with her impeccable serve, aggressive returns, and powerful groundstrokes.

Keys, who had previously reached the 2017 US Open final and four major semifinals, displayed remarkable composure in the final set, eventually breaking Sabalenka to clinch the title. Overcoming past disappointments, Keys expressed her gratitude to her team for their unwavering support throughout her journey.

Entering the final on the back of a remarkable tournament run, Keys continued her impressive form by defeating higher-ranked opponents en route to the final. Her exceptional play saw her become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2005 to defeat the world No. 1 and No. 2 seeds at the Australian Open.

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She defeated two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a nail-biting final.

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Madison Keys wins her maiden grand slam title at the Australian Open.

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Keys showcased stellar performance with impeccable serve and powerful groundstrokes.

In the final showdown, Keys started with a commanding lead, overwhelming Sabalenka with her aggressive play. Despite a resurgence from Sabalenka in the second set, Keys maintained her focus and determination, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory in the decisive third set.

Sabalenka, who aimed to secure a historic third consecutive Australian Open title, acknowledged Keys' outstanding performance and graciously congratulated her opponent during the trophy ceremony. Despite the defeat, Sabalenka remained optimistic and vowed to elevate her game in future encounters.

The intense final match between Keys and Sabalenka captivated fans worldwide, showcasing the resilience and skill of both players. Keys' triumph marked a significant milestone in her career, solidifying her status as a formidable force in women's tennis.