Madison Keys Stages Stunning Comeback to Reach Australian Open Semis

Madison Keys came from a set down to defeat Elina Svitolina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 and reach the Australian Open semifinals.

Madison Keys staged a remarkable comeback to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open, defeating Elina Svitolina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday. The 19th-seeded American recovered from a set down to secure her third semi-final appearance at Melbourne Park, 10 years after her first. Keys will now face Iga Swiatek for a spot in the final.

Keys, who will turn 30 next month, has been in impressive form this season, leading the WTA Tour with 12 wins and currently riding a 10-match unbeaten streak. Her resilience was on full display against Svitolina, as she fought back from a slow start to claim victory. Keys reflected on her strategy, saying, “I felt like I kind of just had to start playing a little bit more aggressive and try to get to the net a little bit quicker.”

Svitolina had controlled the early stages of the match, forcing Keys to adapt her game plan. Keys explained, “She was, you know, controlling a lot of the points and making me run. So I felt like I needed to try to get the advantage a little bit quicker.” Keys successfully implemented her new strategy, ultimately securing the win. She added, “And luckily, I was able to do that.”

The victory marks another milestone in Keys' impressive season, which has included wins over top players like Elena Rybakina, Danielle Collins, and Jessica Pegula. With this win, Keys will return to the top 10 in the rankings, a testament to her hard work and determination.

The first set was marked by a cautious start from both players until the eighth game, when Elina Svitolina capitalized on her first break point. Madison Keys' shot sailed long, giving Svitolina a 5-3 lead. Svitolina then created three set points with an ace out wide and sealed the opener in 33 minutes when Keys netted.

Madison Keys shifted her strategy in the second set, increasing her pace and adopting a more aggressive approach. Keys created three break points in the fourth game, but Svitolina navigated them successfully, including a remarkable lightning-quick reflex volley at the net. Undeterred, Keys created two more opportunities at 3-2 and secured the second with a forehand winner from the baseline, eventually serving out to level the match after 76 minutes.

As the match entered its decisive phase, both players recognized the importance of the next break. With only a single dropped serve each, the pressure was mounting. Keys created two more chances to break at 2-2 and seized the second opportunity with a backhand return winner, moving ahead in the set. Keys maintained her momentum, unleashing a series of winners to seal her place in the last four in one hour and 53 minutes.