Marvellous Madison Keys claims maiden Grand Slam title after incredible Australian Open final win over Aryna Sabalenka
WTA
Madison Keys is a Grand Slam champion after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the 2025 Australian Open winning 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 denying the World No.1 a third in a row in Melbourne.
Keys is the fifth different American to win the Australian Open women's singles title since 2000 joining the likes of Serena Williams and most recently Sofia Kenin in claiming the honour. After beating Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina and Iga Swiatek, she adds a fourth huge win in a row denying the queen of WTA tennis the title.
One of the greatest players in the WTA not to win a Grand Slam title, she becomes one of the oldest at 29 to become a first time winner. The fourth oldest in fact. After ups and downs with injury in the past few years and being overshadowed by other Americans coming to the party, Keys unlocks the secret on the biggest stage.
Keys in almost flawless start
Keys had a magic start to the contest. She broke immediately after Sabalenka threw in instant double faults to offer a break point with Keys' forehand proving to be deadly in getting over the line.
It could've been even more emphatic as Keys used her forehand to great effect to force Sabalenka to only get a first game on the board through an unforced error alone but on came the break as Sabalenka tried to get herself going but Keys continued to pressure her and she threw in another double fault.
It brought up break point and Keys threw in a short slice that put the World No.1 on the back foot and lured in the error for a 4-1 double break.
The commentators were certainly lapping up the American and for good reason as she raced further ahead 5-1. She rushed through an easy hold with a superb ace and a slice to back it up as she went 5-1 up. But then came trouble as such as she tried to get it done and Sabalenka showed a sign of things to come as she managed to pressure her but the mountain was too large to climb and Keys got over the line for the set.
One away!@madison_keys locks away the first set with a brutal backhand down the line!
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2025
The American takes the frame 6-3#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/Ly0Oao6cZw
Superb Sabalenka hits back
Sabalenka showed the fight and resolve of a champion though. She broke for 2-1 after initial concern in the set that Keys would just continue on. Sabalenka managed to defend the cracking serve of Keys with a fierce crosscourt backhand that lured her to the net.
Aryna Sabalenka hit back immediately in the second set.
Keys saved two break points but she conjured up a third opportunity and got the error to lead Set Two. This upward trajectory continued as Keys went 30-0 up only to hand Sabalenka the chance to get back in and consolidate. She used that chance to break again as the dip in form from Keys was taken advantage of. A crosscourt forehand winner saw Sabalenka roar as she sealed a double break and we headed the distance.
The Belarusian used a drop shot again to serve into a decider as the errors were cut and it sent a message to Keys that the champion wasn't going out without a fight.
Her crown, her court.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2025
And she's not giving up either without a fight!@SabalenkaA wins the second set 6-2 to force a decider.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/05m0tGosNK
Keys achieves destiny
Needing a strong retort, Keys got it as the forehand was back on song and she hit a sixth ace also off her exquisite serve to go 1-0 up. But both weren't giving an inch with one of the two likely having to falter to hand the other the title.
Sabalenka went 0-30 up on the Keys serve but the American didn't panic hitting cleanly to get herself out of trouble as well as that slice as she reeled off four points in a row for 2-1.
Keys managed to have the luck on her side as Sabalenka just scowled as the American managed to fluke a backhand overhead to pin the line just about as she went 3-2 up. In one of the best shots of the match, Sabalenka hit a backhand winner on the stretch as she cleanly held for 3-3.
Keys started to show signs of errors with the finishing line in sight but managed to still hold serve and went 5-4 up. Sabalenka had to serve to stay in it with Keys needing just one break to claim the title.
She finally claimed it just as it looked like the match was heading for the tie-break. Sabalenka denied three in a row and Keys becomes a Grand Slam champion.
Madison Keys finally breaks through in Melbourne
— Tennis Updates (@TennisUpdates25) January 25, 2025
• Survives Ruse 7-5 in 3rd
• Took out Collins in Straight Sets
• Defeated Rybakina 6-3 in 3rd
• Survived Svitolina From Set Down
• Won Epic Match Tiebreak vs Swiatek
• Takes Down 2 Time Defending Champ Sabalenka 7-5 in 3rd pic.twitter.com/2ch9E3y7mB
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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