Australian Open: Madison Keys Defeats Sabalenka in Epic Final

Madison Keys captures her maiden Grand Slam title with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory over Aryna Sabalenka.

Madison Keys, 29, made history by winning her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. She achieved this milestone with a thrilling 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory over top seed Aryna Sabalenka, 26, in the final on Saturday. Keys' inspired performance earned her the crown in Melbourne after a gripping two-hour match.

MADI’S MAIDEN MAJOR UNLOCKED 🔓 🏆#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/fwDSauL0Gb

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2025

Keys' triumph marked the best performance of her career, and she became the fourth-oldest first-time Grand Slam champion in the professional era. She joined an elite group of players, including Flavia Pennetta, Ann Jones, and Francesca Schiavone, who also achieved their first Grand Slam titles at an advanced age. Keys' win also brought an end to Sabalenka's bid for a third consecutive Melbourne Park crown.

Proof that good things happen to good people.

Your night, your time, your trophy, @Madison_keys.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/8CHg0n1ivs

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2025

Aryna Sabalenka's Australian Open final got off to a shaky start, with the top seed making a couple of double faults to drop serve in the opening game. Madison Keys, the 19th seed, seized the opportunity to apply pressure, unleashing a dipping crosscourt winner to secure a double break. Sabalenka looked off-colour in the early exchanges, allowing Keys to dictate the pace of the match.

That's the type of shot that wins you your first GRAND SLAM!!! 🏆

Now that's an #epic feeling 🤩@BeyondTennis_ • #BeyondTennis • @wwos • @ESPN • @Eurosport • @WOWOWtennis pic.twitter.com/jHz3KXAAY2

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2025

Keys continued to ride her luck, benefiting from a net cord winner to go up 5-1 in just 20 minutes. Although she conceded a break with a wayward backhand, Sabalenka's fourth double fault gifted Keys a set point. The American sealed the opening set with her 11th winner, a powerful backhand down the line. Throughout the set, Keys' aggressive hitting proved too much for Sabalenka, who struggled to find her rhythm.

Madi's going to need to clear some space on the mantle!@Madison_keys • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/p0cksGUPTx

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2025

Sabalenka regrouped in the second set, mixing up her game and using slice to level the match. The deciding set was a closely contested affair, with both players relying on their powerful serves and shot-making to remain level at 5-5. However, Keys produced a stunning finale, unleashing blistering winners to claim the next two games and the biggest triumph of her career.