Madison Keys secured her first Grand Slam victory with a hard-fought win against Aryna Sabalenka in Melbourne.

Keys Triumphs in a Three-Set Battle

Madison Keys, 29, defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, the defending champion and top seed, 6:3, 2:6, 7:5. The intense final showcased Keys’ determination and skill under pressure. In the semi-finals, Keys had already overcome Poland’s Iga Swiatek, the tournament’s second seed.

This victory marked Keys’ first Grand Slam title in her second final appearance. In 2017, she lost the US Open final to her compatriot Sloane Stephens.

Sabalenka’s Winning Streak Ends

Aryna Sabalenka suffered her first Australian Open defeat in three years. A win would have made her the sixth player to win three consecutive Melbourne titles. The last to achieve this feat was Martina Hingis between 1997 and 1999.

Sabalenka entered the final as the favorite but could not match Keys’ strong performance and resilience.

Keys Enters the History Books

At 29, Madison Keys became the oldest first-time Grand Slam champion since Flavia Pennetta won the US Open in 2015 at age 33.

Keys’ victory demonstrated her elite talent and determination, solidifying her place among tennis’ top players and marking a significant milestone in her career.