Madison Keys Australian Open title Keys defeats Sabalenka First Grand Slam victory Madison Keys
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Madison Keys Triumphs Over Aryna Sabalenka to Claim First Australian Open Title

Madison Keys shocked the tennis world by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in a gripping Australian Open final on Saturday, securing her first-ever Grand Slam title at the age of 29.

The American underdog ended Sabalenka’s pursuit of a historic third consecutive Melbourne Park singles crown, sending the world No. 1’s dream crashing down. After surviving a determined Sabalenka fightback, Keys couldn’t contain her joy, shedding tears and shouting with delight as she claimed the title.

Sabalenka, the 2023 and 2024 champion, was left devastated, burying her face in a towel after her impressive 20-match winning streak at Melbourne Park was halted.

For Keys, this win marked the pinnacle of her 15-year journey from a teenage prodigy to major champion. The victory was especially sweet after her 2017 US Open runner-up finish and a heartbreaking previous Grand Slam final loss.

“I have wanted this for so long,” an emotional Keys shared. “I didn’t know if I’d get back here again.” Her coach, and now husband, Bjorn Fratangelo, was by her side every step of the way during the emotional journey.

Having been dubbed a future world No. 1 after her debut WTA Tour victory at just 14 years old, Keys struggled through injuries in recent years, almost doubting whether she would ever reach this moment again. But her triumph in Melbourne proved that perseverance pays off.

“This is the absolute world to me,” she said. “To win my first Grand Slam where I made my first major semi-final… it’s just incredible.”

Sabalenka, despite the loss, was gracious, complimenting her opponent’s efforts. “Madison, what a tournament,” she said. “You’ve fought hard for that trophy.” She also vowed to return stronger next year.

The match started with Keys playing near-perfect tennis, winning the first set in just 35 minutes. Sabalenka found her rhythm in the second set, but it was Keys‘ resolve in the final set that made all the difference. At 5-6, with Sabalenka serving for a tiebreak, Keys held her nerve, securing two match points before finally clinching the win on the second match point with a stunning 29th winner after 2 hours and 2 minutes.

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