MELBOURNE, Australia — In a thrilling Australian Open semifinal on Thursday night, Madison Keys triumphed over No. 2 Iga Swiatek with a spectacular scoreline of 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8), marking a significant upset. The 29-year-old American, while saving a match point, sank to her knees on the court, one hand resting on her sleek white hat as she absorbed the moment.
In that electrifying match, Keys staged a stunning comeback, which she described as an “extra dramatic finish.” Securing a victory against the five-time Grand Slam champion, who had been dominating Melbourne Park like no other in a decade, Keys is now poised for her second Grand Slam final after her runner-up finish at the 2017 U.S. Open.
“I’m still trying to take it all in,” exclaimed the 19th seed, who will face off against the top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka, a two-time defending champion, for the title on Saturday. “It felt like a fierce battle just to stay in it… so many ups and downs, along with pivotal points.”
To clarify, Keys asked if Swiatek was truly a point away from claiming victory, admitting her uncertainty. Indeed, Swiatek was perched at 6-5, 40-30, and she faltered with a backhand into the net, eventually succumbing to a double fault that handed Keys a crucial break, pushing the match into a tiebreaker.
“I felt like I blanked out for a moment,” Keys reflected. “It was like I was just out there running on instinct.”
Whatever her strategy, it proved successful. Keys secured more games in this semifinal than the cumulative total of 14 games Dropped by Swiatek during her preceding five matches.
“It came down to just a couple of points,” observed Swiatek, who also fell in the Australian Open semifinals two years ago. “Madison showed remarkable courage.”
Earlier that Thursday, Sabalenka defeated her good friend Paula Badosa with a decisive score of 6-4, 6-2. The 26-year-old Belarusian now aims to become the first woman since 1999 to achieve a three-peat at the Australian Open.
“If she plays like this,” Badosa, the 11th seed, commented, “we might as well crown her champion right now.”
However, Keys may have other plans for that trophy.
Sabalenka captured her first major title at Melbourne Park in 2023, followed by two additional championships — one in Australia and another at the U.S. Open last September.
The last woman to reach three consecutive finals in the season’s opening Grand Slam was Serena Williams, who claimed two titles from 2015-2017. Martina Hingis was the last to win three straight titles in Melbourne, achieving this remarkable feat from 1997 to 1999.
“I’m filled with pride and goosebumps,” said Sabalenka, who boasts a 4-1 head-to-head record against Keys, including a victory in the semifinals of the 2023 U.S. Open.
Swiatek had not faced a single service game loss since the first round, but Keys broke her three times in the opening set and eight times overall.
This was evident right out of the gate as Swiatek faltered in her first two service games, a signature of an atypical day for her. Although she managed to clinch the first set, she struggled in the second, falling behind 5-0 before finally claiming a game.
The match showcased the powerful form of Keys, who is turning 30 next month. Under the guidance of her coach and husband Bjorn Fratangelo, she decided to switch to a new racket this season, aiming to generate more effortless power while alleviating some shoulder strain.
That decision has already yielded impressive results. Keys is currently on an 11-match winning streak, which includes securing the title at a preparatory event in Adelaide.
She rose to the challenge in this intense duel, which remained razor-close as it reached its climax.
“Towards the end, I think we were both grappling with nerves. It became a battle of who would claim that final point,” Keys noted. “I’m thrilled that I came out on top.”
Sabalenka started her match trailing 2-0, 40-love, but quickly regained her footing, particularly after the retractable roof of Rod Laver Arena was closed due to rain. She adjusted her strokes and overpowered Badosa, who had previously eliminated No. 3 Coco Gauff to reach her first major semifinal.
“She became very aggressive,” Badosa commented, recalling her struggles last year with a stress fracture in her back. “Everything she hit was working well.”
Throughout the match, Sabalenka and Badosa made a conscious effort to avoid eye contact during routine actions, like the coin toss and changeovers, yet they shared a heartfelt embrace after the match concluded.
During her on-court interview, Sabalenka playfully mentioned taking Badosa on a shopping spree as a peace offering, offering to pay for anything she desired.
When informed of Sabalenka’s comment, Badosa quipped, “That sounds like it could get a bit pricey!”