In a stunning display of skill and resilience, Madison Keys dethroned Aryna Sabalenka to secure her maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open on Saturday.
Keys delivered a bold performance, overcoming Sabalenka's formidable 20-match winning streak at Rod Laver Arena with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory. This triumph makes the 29-year-old the fourth-oldest first-time Grand Slam winner in the professional era, trailing only Flavia Pennetta, Ann Jones, and Francesca Schiavone.
Reflecting on her victory, Keys shared, \"Everything happens for a reason. I had to go through some tough things. It forced me to look at myself in the mirror and try to work on the internal pressure that I was putting on myself … I got to the point where I was proud of myself and my career with or without a Grand Slam.”
Sabalenka, the top seed, faced disappointment as a couple of double faults in the early stages hindered her performance. Despite a strong start, Sabalenka couldn't maintain her momentum, allowing Keys to capitalize and ultimately claim the title.
The final moments were emotionally charged, with Keys celebrating her victory alongside her team, while Sabalenka expressed her frustrations but remained optimistic about future competitions.
Keys' victory marks the first time a player has defeated both the world number one and two at a major since Svetlana Kuznetsova at the 2009 French Open, and the first at Melbourne Park in two decades since Serena Williams.
Reference(s):
Madison Keys dethrones Aryna Sabalenka to land first Grand Slam crown
cgtn.com
