Madison Keys of the United States upset two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, in the Australian Open final on Saturday night, Jan. 25, to collect her first Grand Slam title at age 29.
Jan 25, 2025 11:41 AM
By adding this win over the No. 1-ranked Sabalenka to an elimination of No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals on Thursday — saving a match point along the way — Keys is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2005 to defeat both of the WTA’s top two players at Melbourne Park. When it ended, Keys covered her face with her hands, then raised her arms. Soon, she was hugging her husband, Bjorn Fratangelo — who has been her coach since 2023 — and other members of her team, before sitting on her sideline bench and laughing.The men’s final is Sunday, with defending champion Jannik Sinner against Alexander Zverev. Sinner is seeded No. 1, Zverev No. 2.
It was the more accomplished Sabalenka who was shakier at the outset. Keys broke three times in the first set, helped in part by Sabalenka’s four double-faults and 13 total unforced errors.Keys certainly had a lot to do with the way things were going, too. She compiled an 11-4 edge in winners in that first set, managing to out-hit the big-hitting Sabalenka repeatedly from the baseline.
Sabalenka took a trip to the locker room before the second set, and whether that helped clear her head or slowed Keys’ momentum — or both — the final’s complexion soon changed. Keys’ first-serve percentage dipped from 86% in the first set to 59% in the second. Sabalenka raised her winner total to 13 in the second set and began accumulating, and converting, break points.
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.
Keys upsets Swiatek, sets up title showdown with SabalenkaMELBOURNE, Australia — When Madison Keys finally finished off her 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8) upset of No.
Read more »
Keys Stuns Swiatek to Set Up Sabalenka Final Showdown at Australian OpenMadison 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.
Read more »
Novak Djokovic Eyes 25th Grand Slam at Australian OpenNovak Djokovic is back at the Australian Open aiming for his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, facing tough competition from young stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Read more »
Doping cloud hovers over tennis ahead of year’s first Grand SlamMELBOURNE, Australia — It is a topic that shadowed tennis in 2024 and is still a talking point as the 2025 Grand Slam season opens at the Australian Open on Sunday (Saturday EST): doping and the cases involving Jannik Sinner — which is still not resolved — and Iga Swiatek.
Read more »
Hady Habib becomes first man to represent Lebanon and win Grand Slam singles matchHady Habib's history-making run at the Australian Open will continue after the first man to represent Lebanon in a Grand Slam singles tournament in the Open era became the first to win a match, defeating Bu Yunchaokete of China, 7-6 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (6), on Sunday, Jan. 12, in front of a loud group of supporters.
Read more »
Zverev the next hurdle in Djokovic’s Grand Slam record chaseNovak Djokovic, who is eyeing an 11th Australian Open crown and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, tangles with Alexander Zverev in the semifinals
Read more »