MELBOURNE (Australia): Madison Keys pulled off a stunning victory over Aryna Sabalenka, winning 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 to capture her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open on Saturday.
The 29-year-old American ended Sabalenka’s dream of becoming the first woman in 26 years to win three consecutive Melbourne Park singles titles. The win was especially sweet for Keys, who had previously reached one Grand Slam final and endured years of injury struggles.
Keys raced to a strong start, dominating the first set in just 35 minutes, but Sabalenka responded in the second, leveling the match with aggressive play.
Despite Sabalenka’s momentum, Keys showed immense maturity and mental strength, holding off the two-time defending champion in a tense final set.
Keys earned two match points at 5-6, and after a hard-fought battle, sealed her victory with her 29th winner after 2 hours and 2 minutes.
“I’m mostly just really proud of myself,” said an emotional Keys, who had been tipped as a future world number one since her teenage years.
Her victory, 15 years in the making, solidifies her as a Grand Slam champion. Keys also becomes the fourth oldest first-time major winner in the Open Era.
Sabalenka, despite the loss, was gracious, praising Keys’ incredible tournament run.
