Madison Keys fought back from a set down to defeat Iga Swiatek in a thrilling Australian Open semifinal, setting up a final against Aryna Sabalenka. Keys saved a match point en route to a 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10/8) victory, her first Australian Open final and only her second Grand Slam final.
Madison Keys staged a remarkable comeback from a set down to defeat world number two Iga Swiatek in a thrilling Australian Open semifinal, setting up a final showdown against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The 19th-seeded American battled through a grueling match, eventually winning 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10/8) after a tense final-set tiebreak.
Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, had not dropped her serve since the opening round but was broken eight times by Keys, who saved a match point in a dramatic display of resilience. Keys' victory marks her first Australian Open final and only her second in a Grand Slam tournament. Overwhelmed with emotion, she broke down in tears after the 2-hour and 35-minute marathon.This was the first time an Australian Open semifinal had been decided by a third-set 10-point tiebreak. Keys, reflecting on the intense encounter, said, 'That match was just such a high level and she played so well. I felt like I was just fighting to stay in it and then obviously really kind of ran with the second and then the third was just a battle.' Ultimately, Keys' determination and fighting spirit proved to be decisive. Meanwhile, in the earlier semifinal, Sabalenka, the world number one, put her close friendship with Badosa aside to secure a dominant 6-4, 6-2 victory on Rod Laver Arena. Sabalenka is now on the brink of a historic third consecutive Australian Open title, a feat not achieved this century. The last player to accomplish this was Martina Hingis in 1999, and only four other women have achieved this remarkable three-peat: Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Steffi Graf, and Monica Seles.Sabalenka expressed her pride and ambition, saying, 'Honestly, I don't know. I'm so proud of myself. I'm proud of my team that we're able to put ourselves in such a situation.' She added, 'It's a privilege. If I'm able to put my name into history, it will mean a lot. It will mean the world to me.' Sabalenka acknowledged the inevitable tension her win would cause with Badosa. 'I hope she's still my friend. I'm sure she'll hate me for the next hour, day or two, but I'm okay with that, I can handle that,' she said. Despite the loss, Badosa's run to the semifinals was a remarkable testament to her resilience. After a severe back injury threatened to end her career last year, she staged an impressive comeback, making it back to the top 10 for the first time since October 2022. Keys' victory also propelled her back into the top 10.
Tennis Australianopen Madisonkeys Igaswiatek Aryn Sabalenka Tennis
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Swiatek Sets Up Australian Open Semifinal Showdown with KeysFive-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek advanced to the Australian Open semifinals, equaling her best performance at the tournament. She defeated Emma Navarro 6-1, 6-2 and will face Madison Keys, who overcame Elina Svitolina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Read more »
Swiatek and Keys Advance to Australian Open Semi-Finals, Shelton Makes HistoryIga Swiatek continues her dominant run at the Australian Open, securing her second semi-final berth with a victory against Emma Navarro. Madison Keys overcomes Elina Svitolina to advance, while Ben Shelton becomes the last American standing in the men's singles draw, setting up a historic semi-final showdown.
Read more »
Swiatek Dominates Navarro, Keys Advances to Semis at Australian OpenIga Swiatek showcased her dominance at the Australian Open, advancing to the semifinals with a commanding victory against Emma Navarro. Madison Keys also clinched her spot in the semifinals, overcoming Elina Svitolina in a three-set thriller. The upcoming women's semifinal promises a clash of styles and experience as Swiatek faces Keys.
Read more »
Swiatek Excels in Australian Open, Raducanu Prepares for Swiatek ClashIga Swiatek, the five-time Grand Slam champion, continues her dominant Australian Open campaign with a convincing victory over Rebecca Sramkova. Emma Raducanu, facing her own injury challenges, overcomes Amanda Anisimova to set up a third-round matchup against the formidable Swiatek.
Read more »
Djokovic Survives Scare, Gauff and Swiatek Dominate as Australian Open Heats UpNovak Djokovic overcame a first-set deficit to advance, while other top contenders like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner also won. Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek impressed in the women's draw, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament.
Read more »
Brutal Swiatek routs Raducanu to reach Australian Open Last 16MELBOURNE — A relentless Iga Swiatek stayed on course for a maiden Australian Open title as she powered into the second week with a statement victory over Emma Raducanu on Saturday.
Read more »