After defeating Swiatek and Sabalenka: Madison Keys makes history by beating No. 1 and No. 2 on her way to the Australian Open title
ATP
Madison Keys secured her maiden Grand Slam title this Saturday at the Australian Open. Not only did she defeat World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the tournament final, but she also triumphed over World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, a feat no player had achieved in over 15 years.
In an enthralling final, the 29-year-old stunned the two-time defending champion Sabalenka (6-3, 2-6, 7-5), who was on a 20-match winning streak at Melbourne Park. Keys captured her first Grand Slam title at 29 years old, becoming the player with the longest gap between her first and second Grand Slam finals—the previous being the 2017 US Open.
Keys stuns Swiatek and Sabalenka to claim her first Grand Slam title
Keys' journey was remarkable, as she entered several matches as the underdog. In the third round, she faced her compatriot Danielle Collins (No. 11) and won in straight sets. In the Round of 16, she eliminated former finalist and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina (No. 6).
After coming from a set down against Elina Svitolina (No. 28) in the quarterfinals, Keys consecutively defeated Swiatek 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 [10-8], and Sabalenka in three sets. Beating both the World No. 1 and No. 2 en route to a Grand Slam title hadn’t been done in over 15 years.
The last player to achieve a similar record was 2009 Roland Garros champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, a Russian player who won 18 career titles, including two Grand Slams, and reached a career-high ranking of World No. 2 in September 2007.
On her way to the French Open title, Kuznetsova defeated then-World No. 2 Serena Williams in the quarterfinals and World No. 1 Dinara Safina in the final. However, Kuznetsova entered that tournament as the 7th seed—a slightly more favourable position than Keys, who was seeded 19th.
With this victory, Keys is set to return to her career-best ranking of World No. 7, extending her career-best 12-match winning streak. Furthermore, she has minimal points to defend in the coming months, at least until the clay swing, putting her in a strong position to climb further in the WTA rankings.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
