In a captivating clash of powerful ball-striking and unwavering determination, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka outlasted a resurgent Madison Keys 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to win her third consecutive Australian Open title. The Belarusian’s relentless aggression and poise under pressure proved too much for the 19th-seeded American, who was competing in her first Grand Slam final since the 2017 US Open.
Keys started strong, breaking Sabalenka early to take a 3-1 lead. But the top seed quickly found her rhythm, reeling off five of the next six games with her trademark power from the baseline to snatch the opening set.
Keys Mounts a Comeback
Refusing to go quietly, Keys raised her level in the second set. She began to take the ball earlier, robbing Sabalenka of time and forcing errors. After trading breaks midway through the set, Keys pounced at 5-4, attacking Sabalenka’s second serve and sealing the set with a scorching forehand winner.
“I knew I had to go for it,” Keys said after the match. “Aryna wasn’t giving me much, so I had to be aggressive and take my chances.”
Sabalenka’s Decisive Third Set
With the match hanging in the balance, Sabalenka displayed the mental toughness that has become her hallmark. She came out firing in the decider, winning 12 of the first 14 points to race to a 3-0 lead.
Keys battled valiantly, saving four match points in a marathon ninth game. But Sabalenka would not be denied, closing out the championship on her fifth opportunity with a blistering backhand down the line.
“Maddie pushed me to my absolute limit today,” a visibly emotional Sabalenka said during the trophy ceremony. “I knew it would be tough, but I just kept fighting for every point. I’m so proud of how I handled the pressure.”
Sabalenka and Keys embrace at the net following an epic final
Implications for the 2025 Season
Sabalenka’s victory cements her status as the dominant force in women’s tennis. She has now won five of the last seven Grand Slam titles, and will be a heavy favorite heading into the French Open.
- Sabalenka’s Grand Slam Title Count: 7 total (3 Australian Opens, 2 US Opens, 1 Wimbledon, 1 French Open)
- Keys’ Resurgence: The American proved she is still a force at 30 years old. Expect her to contend for more titles in 2025.
- Rivalry Renewed: This was the first meeting between Sabalenka and Keys in a Grand Slam final. Their contrast in styles makes for must-see tennis.
For Keys, the runner-up finish marks an impressive return to the game’s highest level. After battling injuries and inconsistency in recent years, she appears poised to challenge Sabalenka’s supremacy as the 2025 season unfolds.
“This fortnight has given me so much confidence,” Keys reflected. “If I can build on this, I know I can win more big titles. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
An Instant Classic
The 2025 Australian Open women’s final will be remembered as an instant classic – a match that showcased the sport at its exhilarating, hard-hitting best. In the end, Sabalenka’s firepower and fierce competitive spirit carried her to a historic victory.
As the new season kicks into high gear, one thing is crystal clear: Aryna Sabalenka has firmly established herself as the queen of tennis. The only question is, how much longer can she fend off the hungry pack of contenders nipping at her heels?
