Madison Keys has surprised the entire tennis world with her Australian Open win, having been the 19th seed in Melbourne.
Novak Djokovic has congratulated Keys on her Australian Open success, which she achieved with a final win over Aryna Sabalenka.
Sitting 14th in the WTA rankings, Keys’ display was labelled ‘incredible’ by Sabalenka, with the pair having battled on court for over two hours.
Rod Laver Arena played host to the match between Keys and Sabalenka, with the American beating the world number one 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.
It came after hugely impressive victories against the likes of Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina in previous rounds.
Andy Roddick pleasantly surprised by Madison Keys’ belief as she wins Australian Open
Andy Roddick has now shared his verdict on his fellow American following the success, which came at the second attempt given Keys lost the 2017 US Open final to Sloane Stephens.
“I am so impressed by the progression and when you are fighting those demons it’s brave for her to keep going after the shot which you haven’t been able to rely on your whole career,” Roddick said on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast.
“It wasn’t just good enough, it was really good today. I didn’t think we’d be talking about her hitting slices to chip to get out of corners to then set up the forehand.
“I didn’t think we would be talking about her off backhand off of a rocket return, inside out against someone’s movement. I didn’t think that was something we were going to be able to do.
“Did I think we were going to say listen she is going to go through and be grittier and have more belief than the two best players in the post-Serena [Williams] generation?
“I don’t think I would have bet on it and I couldn’t be happier to be wrong. I think she is amazing and she played amazingly well.”
Madison Keys edges out Aryna Sabalenka to win Australian Open title
Despite an unenviable Australian Open draw, Keys took each match as it came and used all of her experience to come out on top every time.
She did, however, perhaps have the element of pressure on her side in the final, with two-time defending champion Sabalenka having been the favourite.
But an intriguing tie was always going to be on the cards given that Sabalenka and Keys won the Brisbane International and Adelaide International respectively right before the Grand Slam.
The in-form duo put on a real show for the Australian Open crowd, with the American holding her nerve to triumph after just over two hours.
| Aryna Sabalenka | Stat | Madison Keys |
| 29 | Winners | 29 |
| 4 | Return winners | 2 |
| 33 | Unforced errors | 31 |
| 6 | Return unforced errors | 8 |
| 38% | Break points won | 44% |
| 62% | Net points won | 40% |
| 38% | Receiving points won | 34% |
| 91 | Total points won | 92 |
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
