Madison Keys defeats Aryna Sabalenka in Australian Open final ...

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Madison Keys defeats Aryna Sabalenka in Australian Open final

Madison Keys caused an upset by defeating the No 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 to win her first grand slam title

Huge backhand winner from Keys! And Sabalenka then nets. The defending champion is on the ropes but she then follows it up with a fantastic forehand and the first championship point is saved. Can Keys do it one better? SHE CAN! Keys wins her maiden grand slam at the age of 29 with a stunning forehand winner!

Sabalenka looks so upset but she hugs Keys at the net. Both players are in tears now. Keys with tears of joy with her husband and coach and Sabalenka with tears of frustration. She absolutely obliterates her racquet to pieces before burying her head in her towel.

Tumaini Carayol’s report from Melbourne Park is in, where he writes:

Along with years of feeling like she had not fully lived up to her talent, Keys has also finally put to bed the nightmare of her first grand slam final at the 2017 US Open, where she failed to handle the pressure of the occasion and was defeated 6-3, 6-0 by her close friend Sloane Stephens. Acceptance has also been a significant theme in her recovery from that setback as she learned to accept the significant nerves that come with these occasions.

Read it in full here.

Madison Keys stuns Aryna Sabalenka to win thrilling Australian Open final

That’s all from me! Thanks for following along and join us tomorrow for live coverage of the men’s singles final as the world No 1 Jannik Sinner faces the world No 2 Alexander Zverev.

The final emails of the day!

Cary on what counts as a slam title in an Open era:

Amid the chatter of Djokovic’s grand slam record chasing .. do Margaret Courts ‘slams’ … generally won in a draw of just 32 players (or 48 with the top 16 given a bye into the second round) really count?

One of the debates that will go on until the end of time, probably!

James on what a Keys win means for the rest of the season:

Really glad that we have started a new season with a first-time winner. I find that the Australian Open creates some of the best stroylines of the season and sets the tone for how much fun/unexpected the rest of the year will go!

Thank you for all your emails, including all the love from France and New York and those who have pointed out corrections!

And here is our champion, Keys:

Bear with me, I am going to cry. First of all, Aryna. I am glad I finally got you back. Congratulations to you and your team for an incredible run.

I made my first grand slam semi-final here in Melbourne and I am so happy to have finally won here.

This is where I am going to cry. Thank you to my team. I have wanted this for so long. I was in one other grand slam final and it didn’t go my way. They believed in me when I didn’t.

Last year was so tough with injuries and to do it with my husband, who is dazed and confused, thank you so much. I can’t wait to see you all next year. Thank you so much.

Sabalenka speaks after her loss:

It’s OK. I hope to see you all next year. First of all, Madison what a tournament. You have been playing unbelievable tennis. Congratulations to you and your team. Enjoy the celebrations. Enjoy the fun part!

Thank you to everyone who puts on this tournament. I will come back stronger next year. Thank you for the amazing atmosphere. I am speechless for real.

Should I say anything to my team? Why are you laughing. It’s all your fault, guys. I don’t want to see you for a week. I really hate you. No, I really love you. Next time I will play better tennis against Sabalenka. I really do love you.

A nice joke from the runner-up with her team who hold up hearts with their hands.

Sabalenka initially left the court but she is back now and we are about to start the trophy ceremony.

Keys has broken Sabalenka’s 20-match win streak in Melbourne and eliminates the memories of both her hurtful loss against Sabalenka at the 2023 US Open semi-final and her loss eight years ago in the 2017 US Open final.

Huge backhand winner from Keys! And Sabalenka then nets. The defending champion is on the ropes but she then follows it up with a fantastic forehand and the first championship point is saved. Can Keys do it one better? SHE CAN! Keys wins her maiden grand slam at the age of 29 with a stunning forehand winner!

Sabalenka looks so upset but she hugs Keys at the net. Both players are in tears now. Keys with tears of joy with her husband and coach and Sabalenka with tears of frustration. She absolutely obliterates her racquet to pieces before burying her head in her towel.

Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 5-6 Keys* (*denotes server) It’s too tense! But somehow Keys holds and is four points away from winning a slam. Some of her best points have come in this game with a low from a forehand winner before wrongfooting her opponent in the next point.

*Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 5-5 Keys (*denotes server) Sabalenka is serving to stay in the final. The world No 1 is immediately on the back foot as she loses her balance and hits into the net. It’s then 15-15 after Keys goes for it but her down the line shot is wide.

Sabalenka then hits a brilliant first serve and after a short reply she easily puts the ball into open space to make it 30-15. She then drives a backhand winner and is responding so well to the pressure. But Keys crosscourt backhand forces Sabalenka to net to make it 40-30. Who will blink first? Sabalenka serves … And Keys into the net! Sabalenka holds and it’s 5-5!

Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 4-5 Keys* (*denotes server) Huge celebration from Keys after she goes up 15-0 and she follows it up with another point after she has Sabalenka reaching for a shot. The Belarusian gets on the board after a wild Keys volley but Sabalenka’s next shot is a forehand is into the tape. Pure tension at the Rod Laver arena as Keys nets before Sabalenka hits wide … And Keys sees it out. If she breaks in the next game, she will become a first time slam champion!

*Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 4-4 Keys (*denotes server) Keysthinks she makes a great volley after a fun rally but Sabalenka takes the brilliant first point. She then hits two down the line after her effective serves to make it 40-0 and sees it out.

Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 3-4 Keys* (*denotes server) Sabalenka is playing the better tennis now, getting across the court quicker than her opponent after a forehand winner. But Keys goes up 40-30 after hitting a shot in the far corner and follows it up with a beautiful backhand down the line to see out the game.

One hour and 43 minutes have gone by and not a single break in this third set.

*Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 3-3 Keys (*denotes server) A huge down the line winner from Sabalenka that almost goes around the post takes her up 30-0. She wants more applause from the crowd for that one. She sees out the game after Keys hits a forehand long.

Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 2-3 Keys* (*denotes server) Keys has Sabalenka moving around in this game. Sabalenka misses her second drop shot of the set as it hits the tape and Keys once again leads in the set.

*Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 2-2 Keys (*denotes server) Sabalenka misses an early forehand but still manages to go up 30-15. Keys makes an error and Sabalenka holds. This third set has been completely quick and edgy. Not the best level of tennis but a very tense final.

Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 1-2 Keys* (*denotes server) Trouble for Keys! She struggles with some backhand winners but Sabalenka nets and the American recovers from 30-0 down to hold!

*Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 1-1 Keys (*denotes server) The world No 1 holds in her first service game of the set with a fantastic ace and forehand winner. All even so far.

Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 0-1 Keys* (*denotes server) Huge game from Keys! An ace rounds out a hold to love. Simple and straight to the point from the American to start the third.

Some more emails have come through!

Judy is cheering for Keys simply because of Sabalenka’s grunting:

I am so sorry for Keys – how can she switch off with that screaming from Sabalenka?? Tis a thorough disgrace!! And should not be allowed!!

And Jeremyis watching the match while hungry:

Am I the only one to think that a “Sabalenka” sounds as though it could be some kind of deliciously rich, honey and/or cream-based pastry treat from eastern Europe/the Middle East, and that Madison Keys could be swish coastal beauty spot somewhere between the Everglades and Cape Cod?

Looking ominous for Keys though, especially if Sabalenka hits her top form in the third set. Bagel (salmon and cream cheese obviously...)?

Keys cannot figure out how to defend these short sliced balls from Sabalenka who goes up 40-0. But a second set point escapes the world No 1 after a double fault … Keys goes long with a forehand though and Sabalenka takes the second set. We go to a decider set!

Sabalenka 3-6, 5-2 Keys* (*denotes server) Keys still looks quite nervous. We have not had both players play at their best at the same time just yet in this final. But the American gets lucky with some Sabalenka errors and holds. The world No 1 will serve for the set.

*Sabalenka 3-6, 5-1 Keys (*denotes server) A bit more rhythm in this game from both players, and huge backhand from Keys means she can get a break point back. Sabalenka saves them both with two big serves to make it deuce. Her low drop shot is just out of reach for Keys to take the advantage but Keys hits a forehand on the run down the line that even has Sabalenka applauding – what a shot! We go back and forth a few times before Keys receives some slow shots that she struggles with and Sabalenka holds.

Sabalenka 3-6, 4-1 Keys* (*denotes server) Sabalenka gets break point really quickly against a really clunky Keys. It’s a double break in the second set after a forehand winner and huge roar from the defending champion!

*Sabalenka 3-6, 3-1 Keys (*denotes server) Keys needs to get back to her level in the first set – that controlled play that had Sabalenka exasperated. She makes it 30-0 with a speeding backhand but when she attempts it again two points later and it’s long, making it 30-30. Some strong second serves and there is definitely a different feeling about Sabalenka in this second set, even though she isn’t playing her best tennis.

Sabalenka 3-6, 2-1 Keys* (*denotes server) What a backhand return to start this game from Sabalenka. She follows that up with a lucky backhand pass down the line that just clips the net. She puts up the classic sorry-not-sorry apology to Keys. There is seemingly a lot more energy in her legs and her shots have a bit more variety to them forcing Key to net, Sabalenka has a break point. Under pressure Keys saves the break point twice with two big serves but Sabalenka finally breaks after Keys nets on the third break point.

*Sabalenka 3-6, 1-1 Keys (*denotes server) Huge smash from Sabalenka to make it 15-15 has Keys holding up her racquet to protect herself. The Belarusian then hits a awkward slice but Keys makes another error and the defending champion holds.

Sabalenka 3-6, 0-1 Keys* (*denotes server) Another rocky start from Sabalenka but a beautiful dropshot sees her bounce back and a beautiful groundstroke sees her get break point. But she can’t string more than three good points together after she misses a simple forehand.

All of a sudden it’s game point for the American … But Keys nets and we get a second chance for Sabalenka to break. The American looks a bit more nervous in this second set but an ace and a winner where she does well to absorb the pace of the ball means Keys holds serve.

I spoke too soon earlier. There have been feathers now spotted on the court, but neither player has seemed to mind so far.

Postbag thoughts from John:

Tumaini’s prologue was very helpful. Maybe Madison’s experience can tell if she can break Aryna early on. Can’t see any bread sticks or bagels, both are too good.

Tomorrow could Tumaini please remind his readers which type of feather it is that upsets Zverez so much.

No sight of feathers in the women’s final, which is good news for Zverev and all other feather haters but I will be sure to pass on the message.

Have any thoughts on the game at Melbourne Park you want to share? Send me an email!

A sliced crosscourt shot from Keys is a tough one for Sabalenka to control and the Belarusian then hits a forehand into the net. But a crosscourt forehand is really well struck makes it 30-30. Keys’s level has slightly dropped but she receives a gift of a set point after Sabalenka double faults. Can Keys see it out here? She can! The American breaks to take the first set with a backhand down the line.

Sabalenka 3-5 Keys* (*denotes server) A shank forehand from Sabalenka sees her look up at the sky in frustration … But three unforced errors, including a short sliced backhand sees Sabalenka goes up 40-15. Can Sabalenka take a break back? She nets but then Keys’ backhand again goes into the net.

*Sabalenka 2-5 Keys (*denotes server) Sabalenka makes a few unforced errors before Keys hits a blistering backhand to take the point. But she misses the baseline and Sabalenka takes advantage. A forehand winner from the American takes it straight back to deuce. We go back and forth with the advantages before Sabalenka holds with a backhand winner. Keys will now serve for the set.

Sabalenka 1-5 Keys* (*denotes server) Wow! A short sliced drop shot from Keys gets her 30-0 up which sends the crowd wild. Sabalenka literally stares in shock as her inspired opponent soaks up the crowd. The American continues her powerful serves and holds. Twenty minutes gone and Sabalenka is 5-1 down!

*Sabalenka 1-4 Keys (*denotes server) Keys goes to wipe with her towel and her husband and coach, Bjorn Fratangelo, tells her to continue to be aggressive. She stumbles initially but then hits a huge forehand winner into the back of the corner. Sabalenka then hits her third double fault of the game and hands over another break point! Can Keys capitalise? Yes, Sabalenka nets her drop shot! Keys breaks again and leads 4-1 in the first set.

Sabalenka 1-3 Keys* (*denotes server) A poor forehand from Keys is the American’s first real mistake of the match. But an ace and a mistake from Sabalenka means that Keys can hold.

*Sabalenka 1-2 Keys (*denotes server) Keys is attacking Sabalenka’s forehand and goes up 15-0 but Sabalenka’s forehand cross court inside the service line is super sharp to tie it up. A huge forehand winner from Keys though leaves her opponent standing and staring, not knowing what to do. But a backhand into the net from Keys means the defending champion is on the board.

Sabalenka 0-2 Keys* (*denotes server) Sabalenka nets a backhand on Keys’ first serve and after a high volley the world No 14 makes it 40-30. Sabalenka goes wide in the final point and what an excellent service game from Keys to back up that early break.

*Sabalenka 0-1 Keys (*denotes server) Sabalenka starts with a double fault but a rocket of a forehand down the line makes it 15-15. But the Belarusian double faults again and Keys faces a break point … the American works Sabalenka into the corner and breaks the champion serve. Early unexpected nerves from Sabalenka! Has she got it out of her system?

Sabalenka will get the final underway with the serve. And play …

Both players are now out on the court after receiving warm reception from the fans, pictures have been taken and now warm-ups are starting. The Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup is on the side, arriving with the former Australian tennis player Evonne Goolagong Cawley.

They are now opening up the roof on the Rod Laver arena and soon both players will be making their way onto the court for the “walk of champions” in front of 14,820 fans.

Sabalenka is 4-1 against Keys, with her most memorable win against the American coming at the was the 2023 US Open semifinal. Keys led the Belarusin 6-0, 5-3 before Sabalenka came back to win 0-6, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (5), preventing Keys from making the final in front of a home crowd.

I think one of the big things, after I lost to Aryna at the US Open, I felt like I tried to play safe, and I wasn’t playing how I wanted to in the big moments. That felt so bad. I just felt like if I can go out and do what I want to do and really just, again, be uncomfortable at times and just actually go for it and continue to play the way I play my best tennis, and I lose, then I can walk away and say, ‘OK, I did my best, she beat me, that’s fine.’

I didn’t want to be in the same situation where I kind of looked back at it and thought, Man, I should have gone for it. I didn’t want to have any regrets for not really laying it all out there.

Keys’s first grand slam final was a loss to Sloane Stephens at the 2017 US Open and by repeating the feat in Australia, she has become the player with the most slam appearances between her first and second major finals (25), besting the previous mark of 24 set by Marion Bartoli and Amelie Mauresmo.

The 29-year-old is the oldest women’s singles finalist in Melbourne since the Williams sisters in 2017 and has defeated has defeated two top 10 opponents during her run to today’s final (Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek).

Paula Badosa, Sabalenka’s latest victim in the semi-final, likened playing her close friend to an unbeatable video game. “With Aryna, it’s more like winners everywhere. Sometimes you’re like, I don’t know, I’m just walking around the court because I feel like she’s playing a PlayStation.”

The world No 1 would tie the Open era record of three straight titles held by Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis with a win against Keys.

She opened her season with the title at the Brisbane International and is 11-0 so far this year.

Tumaini Carayol is at Melbourne Park and writes in his preview:

As she returns to Rod Laver Arena to battle the two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, Keys will walk on to the court with plenty of reasons to be nervous, with memories of her first grand-slam final experience and a painful three-sets loss to the Belarusian in the semi-finals of the 2023 US Open. But with time, introspection and 16 years of experience behind her, Keys has learned to accept the stress that comes with these lofty occasions.

Madison Keys embraces change to earn second grand slam final chance