Madison Keys captured her first Grand Slam title, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping final in Melbourne.
Keys Prevails in an Intense Three-Set Match
The 29-year-old American overcame Belarusian top seed Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 6:3, 2:6, 7:5. Keys displayed extraordinary determination and mental strength in the high-stakes match. In the semi-finals, she had already triumphed over Poland’s Iga Swiatek, the tournament’s second seed.
This victory marked Keys’ first Grand Slam title, achieved in her second final appearance. Her previous chance in 2017 ended with a loss to compatriot Sloane Stephens at the US Open.
Sabalenka’s Winning Streak Ends
Aryna Sabalenka experienced her first Australian Open defeat in three years, marking the end of her impressive streak. A victory would have made her only the sixth player to win three consecutive Melbourne titles. The last player to achieve this feat was Martina Hingis from 1997 to 1999.
Despite being the favorite, Sabalenka couldn’t match Keys’ resilience and precision on the court, falling short in a hard-fought contest.
Keys Joins the History Books
Madison Keys, at 29, became the oldest first-time Grand Slam winner since Italian Flavia Pennetta claimed the US Open in 2015 at 33.
Her triumph in Melbourne solidified her place among the elite in tennis. This milestone victory crowned her career and demonstrated her remarkable talent and perseverance.
