In a notable victory, U.S. player Madison Keys overpowers two-time Australian Open laureate to clinch her first Grand Slam title.
Ten years after making her semi-finals debut at the Australian Open as a sprightly 19-year-old, Madison Keys, now 29, finally sealed her first major title in Melbourne. Following an exhilarating semifinal victory over No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek, Keys triumphed over two-time defending champion and top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.
The triumph over Sabalenka snapped her opponent's 20-match winning streak in Melbourne, with Keys leading their head-to-head record 4-2. "Firstly, Aryna, unbelievable playing," Keys commended her opponent post-match, grateful for the opportunity to claim her elusive title.
Keys had previously lost her other Grand Slam final, against fellow-American Sloane Stephens at the 2017 US Open. With the Melbourne win, the Florida native took home a substantial $2.2 million prize, while Sabalenka collected $1.2 million.
"I have wanted this for so long," an emotional Keys exclaimed while holding the trophy, grateful to her team for their unwavering support. Reflecting in the press, she acknowledged, "From a young age, I felt like if I never won a Slam I wouldn't live up to what people thought I should've been. I finally got to the point where I was proud, with or without one."
Keys' win marked her 5th victory against Top 10 players in 2025, and her 12-match winning streak was her career's longest. Her path to triumph included winding her way past No. 6 Elena Rybakina, a former Wimbledon champion, and No. 28 Elina Svitolina, a three-time major semifinalist.
In the final game, with the match on the line, Keys stayed composed, landing back-to-back forehand winners to clinch the victory and her first major title. "She played incredible," Sabalenka admitted, preparing for future confrontations.
The third set witnessed numerous tense moments, with Keys maintaining a narrow edge on her serve in the first set. However, Keys' performance dipped in the second as Sabalenka found her stride, eventually winning 6-2. Regaining focus and determination, Keys directed her powerful serves and aggressive shots toward championship glory in the third set.
Keys acknowledged the supportive Melbourne crowd, expressing her joy and gratitude for feeling "at home" there. With her third Australian Open semifinal appearance, Keys reached the Top 10 once again, joining Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Emma Navarro in the coveted WTA Top 10.
Sources:[1] https://www.tennis.com/news/wta/australian-open-2025/madison-keys-dominates-aryna-sabalenka-to-win-australian-open-title-2025-a59938772/[2] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-28/madison-keys-win-australian-open-2025-first-grass-slam/101254224[3] https://www.si.com/tennis/2025/02/28/madison-keys-aryna-sabalenka-australian-open-final-2025[4] https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/34346006/madison-keys-wins-australian-open-first-major-trophy[5] https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/59042318
Keys' victory in the Australian Open not only brought her a significant $2.2 million prize but also opened up opportunities in the sports business for her. With her popularity and success, sponsors are now keen to collaborate with her, recognizing the potential of partnering with a young, talented, and resilient athlete like Keys.
In the dynamic world of sports, money and business often intertwine to propel athletes to greater heights. Following her Australian Open triumph, Keys' influence in the sports business realm is expected to further skyrocket, opening doors to lucrative endorsement deals and other lucrative opportunities.
