Madison Keys delivered a major upset by eliminating former finalist Elena Rybakina 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, securing her place in the Australian Open quarterfinals for the fourth time in her career. The American has started the 2025 season in remarkable form, achieving her ninth consecutive win this year. Keys will now face Elina Svitolina in the next round.
The world No. 14 capitalised on a shaky start from Rybakina, breaking early in the third game to quickly take a 3-1 lead. Rybakina struggled with her serve in the first set, landing only 53% of first serves, while Keys appeared determined to control the match.
Keys consistently looked closer to securing breaks than her opponent and sealed another crucial one in the ninth game, closing the set 6-3 in just 33 minutes. The American was more aggressive, hitting 12 winners compared to Rybakina’s 9, but the key difference lay in unforced errors: Rybakina made 20, while Keys had just 5.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion stepped up her game in the second set, breaking Keys in the opening game and maintaining the lead throughout. Keys managed to hold her serve only once as Rybakina dominated, securing two consecutive breaks to claim the set 6-1.
The third set saw Keys’ returns putting consistent pressure on Rybakina, who landed slightly over 50% of first serves and won just 27% of points on her second serve. Keys showcased her best strokes and appeared more composed as the set reached 3-3, with one break apiece.
Keys gained the upper hand in the final moments, earning a pivotal break in the seventh game and consolidating it with her serve to lead 5-3. She then broke Rybakina again, clinching the match on her second match point. The 30-year-old sealed a hard-fought 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory over the world No. 7 and advanced to the quarterfinals to face Elina Svitolina, who had earlier defeated Veronika Kudermetova in straight sets.
👏 Keys into the QF! 👏@Madison_Keys puts together a brilliant display to fend off Rybakina 6-3, 1-6, 6-3!#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/5SRNOqIr8q
— wta (@WTA) January 20, 2025
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- 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
