Madison Keys produced a record-breaking performance to win the 2025 Australian Open.
The 29-year-old played some of the best tennis of her career to defeat Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 to achieve her dream of becoming a Grand Slam champion.
Madison Keys was overcome with emotion following the biggest win of her career and she went over to celebrate with her team who helped her become the new Queen of Melbourne.
The American prevented Sabalenka from becoming the first woman in 26 years to win the Australian Open three times in a row, and she secured her second victory over the World number one in the process.
Madison Keys sets new record after winning the Australian Open
The American knew she had to produce blistering tennis, similar to what Keys managed against Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals if she wanted to win her first Grand Slam.
She did just that in set one, as she opened up a 5-2 lead before taking the set 6-3. Sabalenka bounced back in set, before both players pushed each other to the wire in the decider.
This is the first women’s Grand Slam final to reach 5-5 in the third set since Serena Williams faced Victoria Azarenka 2012 US Open.
The set went with serve until the final game, when Keys broke Sabalenka while she served to stay in the match, which gave Keys the win.
With the victory, Keys became the oldest player to defeat the World number one and two in semi-finals and final at a Grand Slam event since WTA Ranking records began in 1975.
Furthermore, Keys is the first player in the open era to win the Australian Open in just three three-set matches from the fourth round right through to the final.
Madison Keys reacts after winning the Australian Open
Keys beamed with pride throughout the post-match presentation when she was awarded with the Australian Open trophy.
After reaching her second Grand Slam final, eight years after losing her first to Sloane Stephens at the US Open, Keys has now joined the elite group of Grand Slam winners.
Post match she held back the tears and thanked her team and expressed how she felt about winning her first major.
“I made my first grand slam semi-final here in Melbourne and I am so happy to have finally won here,” Keys said.
“This is where I am going to cry. Thank you to my team. I have wanted this for so long. I was in one other grand slam final and it didn’t go my way. They believed in me when I didn’t.
“Last year was so tough with injuries and to do it with my husband, who is dazed and confused, thank you so much. I can’t wait to see you all next year. Thank you so much.”
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