Madison Keys mounted a stunning comeback from a set down to upset world number two Iga Swiatek and reach her first-ever Australian Open final, Al Jazeera reports.
The 19th-seeded American battled through a thrilling three-set semifinal, ultimately prevailing 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8) in a tense final-set tiebreak. She will now face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who earlier dominated Paula Badosa in straight sets.
Keys’ victory was a significant upset, ending Swiatek’s dominant run through the tournament. The 29-year-old American managed to win more games against Swiatek than the five-time major champion had conceded in all her previous five matches in Melbourne combined. The match was a rollercoaster, with Keys facing match point as Swiatek served for the win at 6-5 in the third set. A critical backhand error from Swiatek, followed by a double fault, allowed Keys to break back and force a dramatic first-to-10 tiebreak, which Keys ultimately won
Meanwhile, on the other side of the bracket, Aryna Sabalenka continued her relentless march towards history. The top-seeded Belarusian crushed her friend Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2 in an impressive display of power tennis. Despite a shaky start, falling behind 2-0 early, Sabalenka quickly found her rhythm, unleashing her powerful forehand to overcome Badosa, who was contesting her first Grand Slam semifinal.
Sabalenka is now one win away from becoming the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-1999) to achieve a three-peat at the Australian Open. She’s also looking to cement her place as a dominant force in women’s tennis by securing her fourth major title.
The upcoming final is set to be an epic clash between the experience and firepower of Keys and the dominance of Sabalenka. The winner will write their name in the history books.
The last woman to reach three finals in a row at the Australian Open was Serena Williams, who won two titles in that streak between 2015-2017. The last woman with a threepeat at the Australian Open was Martina Hingis (1997-1999).
