Madison Keys’ Journey to the Australian Open Final
In the 2015 Australian Open, Madison Keys, then just 19, reached her first Grand Slam semifinal. She defeated Venus Williams to make it there but lost to Serena Williams, who went on to win the tournament.
Fast forward a decade to Thursday, and the 29-year-old Keys found herself in the final of the 2025 Australian Open, after defeating world No. 2 Iga Swiatek with a powerful, relentless performance. Keys, seeded 19th, played the best tennis of her life and triumphed in a thrilling 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8) victory, lasting two hours and 35 minutes.
Keys vs. Swiatek: A Fierce Battle
Before facing Keys, Swiatek had been dominating the tournament, not losing a set and dropping only 14 games in her first five matches. However, Keys challenged Swiatek with her power, hitting seven aces and 36 winners. In the first set, Keys gave Swiatek her toughest challenge of the tournament, but Swiatek managed to win the set, seeming to gain control of the match.
In the second set, Keys turned the tables. It was rare to see Swiatek struggle, but Keys played an intense, dominant game, overwhelming her opponent with fast returns. She quickly gained a 5-0 lead and won the set in just 26 minutes.
The Tiebreak: A Thrilling Finish
The third set came down to a tiebreak, and both players fought fiercely for every point. Swiatek took an early 5-3 lead, but Keys refused to back down. She caught up to Swiatek, tying the score at 7-7. Keys hit her seventh ace of the match to make it 8-8 and then sealed the win after a Swiatek unforced error. After the match, Keys collapsed to the ground and cried, emotional after securing her first Grand Slam final in eight years.
Facing Aryna Sabalenka in the Final
Keys is now set to face Aryna Sabalenka in the final on Saturday. Sabalenka, the No. 1 seed, defeated Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2 in just 86 minutes to make it to the final. Like Keys and Swiatek, Sabalenka is known for her power and has had a relatively smooth path to the final, dropping only one set in her six matches. However, if Keys can play with the same intensity and power she showed against Swiatek, she stands a real chance of defeating Sabalenka and winning her first Grand Slam.
A Decade of Growth
In the 10 years since Keys lost her first Grand Slam semifinal in Melbourne, tennis has changed, but some things remain the same. Powerful opponents like Serena Williams and now Sabalenka continue to stand in the way of victory. However, after a decade of experience, Keys has shown that she can use both her physical and mental strength to challenge any player. In the final, Keys will have control of her destiny and the chance to claim her first major title.
