Melbourne, Australia — In a stunning display of skill and determination, Madison Keys captured her maiden Grand Slam title by defeating top seed Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling Australian Open final on Saturday. The 29-year-old American emerged victorious with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 win, ending Sabalenka's reign at Melbourne Park and snapping her 20-match winning streak on Rod Laver Arena.
Keys' triumph not only halted Sabalenka's bid for a third consecutive Australian Open title — a feat last achieved by Martina Hingis between 1997 and 1999 — but also made her the fourth-oldest first-time Grand Slam winner in the professional era.
\"Everything happens for a reason,\" Keys said, her joy evident as she held the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. \"I had to go through some tough things. It forced me to look at myself in the mirror and try to work on the internal pressure that I was putting on myself… I got to the point where I was proud of myself and my career with or without a Grand Slam.\"
She added, \"I didn't need it to feel like I had a good career or that I deserved to be talked about as a great tennis player. Finally letting go of that internal talk I had gave me the ability to actually go out and play some really good tennis, to actually win a Grand Slam.\"
The match began with Keys breaking Sabalenka's serve in the opening game, capitalizing on the Belarusian's double faults. Dominating the early exchanges, Keys secured a double break and surged ahead 5-1 in just 20 minutes. Although Sabalenka fought back to break Keys, the American sealed the first set with a powerful backhand down the line.
Sabalenka regrouped in the second set, utilizing a variety of shots to disrupt Keys' rhythm and leveling the match. In the decisive third set, both players showcased their formidable serves and groundstrokes, remaining neck and neck until 5-5. Keys then unleashed a series of blistering winners to take the final two games and clinch the title.
Overcome with emotion, Keys shed tears of joy as she celebrated with her team, including her husband and coach, Bjorn Fratangelo. On the other side of the net, a dejected Sabalenka expressed her frustration but remained gracious in defeat.
\"There definitely was a bit of frustration because I was so close to achieving something crazy,\" Sabalenka admitted. \"I was just trying to let it go and be a good person, be respectful. It's okay. I know that after tough losses, there are good wins. I'll keep working and make sure that next time, if I'm in this situation, I'll play better.\"
Keys' victory marks a significant milestone, making her the first player to defeat both the world number one and two at a major since Svetlana Kuznetsova at the 2009 French Open, and the first to do so at the Australian Open since Serena Williams two decades ago.
In other finals action, Finland's Harri Heliovaara and Britain's Henry Patten claimed the men's doubles title. The duo overcame Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in a hard-fought match, winning 6-7(16), 7-6(5), 6-3 after battling back from a set down.
The Australian Open concluded with thrilling performances that captivated fans worldwide, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead in the world of tennis.
Reference(s):
Madison Keys dethrones Aryna Sabalenka to land first Grand Slam crown
cgtn.com
