Australian Open Day 12 Wrap: Madison Keys Shocks Swiatek To Set Up Sabalenka Final
Madison Keys fought back from a set down to defeat world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in a nail-biting Australian Open semifinal on Thursday.
The 19th seed secured her spot in the final against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka after a dramatic match that ended with a final-set tiebreak score of 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8).
The match unfolded over 2 hours and 35 minutes, marking a historic moment as it became the first Australian Open semifinal ever decided by a third-set 10-point tiebreak.
Keys showcased her determination by breaking Swiatek’s serve eight times, a remarkable feat considering the five-time Grand Slam champion had not been broken since the tournament’s first round.
The semifinal was a roller coaster of emotions, with Keys flying out of the blocks and breaking Swiatek in the opening game. However, the Polish star quickly rallied, exchanging breaks with Keys before taking the first set 7-5 after 49 intense minutes.
Swiatek’s shaky performance set the stage for an incredible turnaround in the second set, where Keys showcased her power and precision, breaking her opponent four times and forcing a decisive third set.
In the final set, Keys faced a critical moment when she saved a match point, demonstrating nerves of steel as she edged past Swiatek to secure her spot in the final. This victory marks Keys’ first Australian Open final, a significant milestone in her career.
Earlier in the day, Aryna Sabalenka showcased her dominance by defeating Paula Badosa in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2. The Belarusian, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, continues her quest for a remarkable third consecutive title in Melbourne.
Should she succeed, she would join an elite group of women who have achieved this feat, including legends like Martina Hingis and Steffi Graf.
Despite the loss, Badosa’s journey to the semifinals capped a remarkable comeback from a serious back injury that had her contemplating retirement last year.
Her performance in Melbourne will see her return to the top 10 for the first time since October 2022, a testament to her resilience and hard work.
