In a dramatic and unforgettable finale at the 2025 Australian Open, Madison Keys clinched her maiden Grand Slam title by defeating two-time reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in a two-hour, two-minute showdown. The 29-year-old American, seeded 19th, became the second-oldest first-time women’s winner in Australian Open history, following China’s Li Na, who triumphed in 2014 at the age of 31.
Keys entered the championship match as a significant underdog against Sabalenka, the Belarusian powerhouse and three-time Grand Slam winner. But it was Keys who displayed nerves of steel, delivering her finest tennis on the sports biggest stage.
From the outset, Keys took control as Sabalenka struggled with her serve. Two double faults from the defending champion in the opening game handed Keys an early break, and she consolidated her lead to go up 2-0. While Sabalenka’s serve faltered, Keys was nearly flawless, landing all but one of her first serves in her opening two service games to keep the pressure firmly on her opponent.
Keys broke Sabalenka again for a commanding 4-1 lead and appeared poised to close out the first set. Although Sabalenka briefly rallied and broke Keys serve, the American immediately responded by breaking back. A crucial fourth double fault from Sabalenka set up Keys to seal the first set 6-3 in just 35 minutes.
Sabalenka’s s uncharacteristic struggles were evident in the stats, with just four winners and 13 unforced errors in the first set, compounded by four double faults her most in a single set in Melbourne.
Despite the rocky start, Sabalenka demonstrated why she is one of the games most formidable competitors. Entering the final, she held an astonishing 10-1 record in Grand Slam matches after losing the first set, far outpacing her peers.
Following a bathroom break, the Belarusian returned to the court with renewed focus. She quickly broke Keys in the opening game of the second set and surged to a 4-1 lead. Sabalenka found her rhythm on serve and punished Keys with powerful groundstrokes, ultimately taking the set 6-2 to force a decisive third.
The third set was a tightly contested battle, with neither player giving an inch. Both held serve through the first 11 games, setting up a pivotal moment with Sabalenka serving to stay in the match at 5-6.
At 0-15, Keys unleashed a stunning backhand return winner, rattling Sabalenka and eliciting a frustrated grimace. Sabalenka briefly steadied to reach 15-30 but committed a costly forehand error into the net, giving Keys two championship points.
Though Keys missed her first chance, she capitalized on the second with a breathtaking inside-out forehand winner. As the ball landed out of Sabalenka’s reach, Keys erupted in joy, arms aloft as she celebrated her long-awaited breakthrough.
Keys triumph marks a crowning achievement in a career defined by perseverance and resilience. Having reached her first Grand Slam final at the 2017 US Open but falling short, she has faced numerous setbacks and injuries over the years. This victory solidifies her status among the sports elite and is a testament to her unwavering determination.
“Breaking through here at the Australian Open means everything to me,” Keys said during the trophy ceremony. “To finally hold this trophy after so many years of hard work is just incredible. Aryna is an amazing champion, and I had to play my very best to win today.”
For Sabalenka, the loss ends her bid for a third consecutive Australian Open title but underscores her status as a consistent force in women’s tennis.
As the sun set on Rod Laver Arena, the tennis world celebrated the arrival of a new Grand Slam champion, Madison Keys a player who has finally fulfilled her immense potential and etched her name into the history books.
