Madison Keys says she hit an ‘insane shot’ in the Australian Open final which she cannot believe worked

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Madison Keys is relishing her maiden Grand Slam victory after beating Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open title.

Keys won the Australian Open at 29-years-old, over seven years after reaching her first major final at the 2017 US Open.

Since beating Sabalenka in the final, Keys has received lots of messages from fans and colleagues congratulating her on the biggest victory of her career.

Not only has the American been praised for her level at the Australian Open, but Keys has also been praised for her attitude and behaviour towards others.

When reflecting on her triumph in Melbourne, there was one shot from the final that stood out to Keys.

Madison Keys says what shot she cannot believe worked in the Australian Open final

Keys overcame Iga Swiatek in the semi-final, that included saving a match point before winning in the deciding set tie-break.

This was before taking on two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who was shocked by Keys’ power.

It was not just power that Keys used to beat the world number one, but there was one shot in particular that stood out to her.

When serving at a crucial moment in deciding set at 5-5 30-30, Keys received a strong return from Sabalenka before crouching down to hit an almost half-volley forehand winner.

When speaking on the WTA Insider Podcast, Keys reflected on the latter stages of the match and what she was thinking when she hit that shot.

“I forget what the exact score was but I remember being down 0-30 and I was able to get the game,” said Keys. “We were going to sit down and I remember thinking I am in this, I am absolutely in this. It was just this shift in my mind that yes she is playing some really good tennis but so am I. I can do this.

“I just kept going for that. And at 5-5, 30-30 I don’t know where that came from to be honest. I can’t believe that forehand. That was insane. I can’t believe it went in. I just kept saying in my head, be brave, go for it. That was literally the thing that was going through my head.

“And then I remember getting up at 6-5 and thinking ‘okay, she has been serving great, I probably have to do something different to at least get a point in her service games. I thought I won a match tie-breaker the other day, I at least have that. Just swing and go for it and see if you can hit it big before she hits it big. And I just did it.”

What is next for Madison Keys?

After winning her first Grand Slam title, Keys has returned to a previous career-high ranking of world number seven.

This has also confirmed that there are now four American women inside the top 10, with Keys joining Coco Gauff (No.3), Jessica Pegula (No.6) and Emma Navarro (No.9).

There is much speculation about what is next for Keys, who is next scheduled to compete in the Middle East.

Upcoming WTA 1000 tournaments in Dubai and Doha take place back-to-back, with Keys automatically entered due to her ranking.

Keys achieved her best result in Dubai in 2023 after reaching the quarter-finals, before losing to her aforementioned compatriot Gauff.