The highly anticipated women’s final at the 2025 Australian Open did not disappoint, as two power hitters battled for the coveted trophy. In a matchup that felt like déjà vu from their electrifying 2023 US Open semifinal, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka faced a resurgent Madison Keys, both vying to etch their names in the history books.
Sabalenka’s Reign of Dominance
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka entered Rod Laver Arena as the woman to beat, riding an impressive 20-match win streak in Melbourne. The Belarusian aimed to become the first woman since Martina Hingis to achieve an Australian Open three-peat.
Sabalenka’s powerful game has been nearly unstoppable on the Australian hard courts. Her booming serves and aggressive groundstrokes make her a force to be reckoned with.
– Tennis analyst Mary Carillo
The two-time defending champion’s dominance has been nothing short of remarkable:
- 92% win rate in Australia over the past three years
- 18 straight-set victories out of her 20 wins
- Dropped only 3 sets en route to the 2025 final
Keys’ Resurgence
On the other side of the net stood Madison Keys, a talented American who has experienced both the highs and lows of professional tennis. After her breakout run to the 2017 US Open final, Keys struggled with consistency and injuries.
However, the 29-year-old has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 18 months. With a renewed focus on mental toughness and strategic play, Keys has steadily climbed back up the rankings.
Madison has really matured as a player. She’s learned to control her power and play with more patience. That’s made a huge difference in her results.
– Former world No. 1 Chris Evert
Keys’ road to the final was paved with impressive victories:
- Upset No. 1 seed Iga Swiatek in a thrilling semifinal
- Dropped only one set in six matches
- Dominated with her trademark serve and forehand
Clash of Styles
The Sabalenka-Keys final promised to be a showcase of power tennis. Both women possess big serves and explosive groundstrokes, capable of ending points in a flash.
| Aryna Sabalenka | vs | Madison Keys |
| 6’0″ | 174 lbs | Physical | 5’10” | 166 lbs |
| 125 mph | Average Serve Speed | 119 mph |
| 76% | 1st Serve Points Won | 73% |
| 44% | Return Points Won | 41% |
However, the match would likely be decided by which player could maintain consistency and exploit their opponent’s weaknesses.
Keys will need to keep Sabalenka on the move and prevent her from dictating play. Sabalenka’s key is to stay aggressive and overpower Keys’ defense.
– 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert
High Stakes
For Sabalenka, a third consecutive Australian Open title would cement her status as the dominant force in women’s tennis. A victory would tie her with legends like Monica Seles, Steffi Graf, and Serena Williams, who all achieved the “threepeat” in Australia.
Keys, meanwhile, entered the match seeking to capture her maiden Grand Slam title. After coming so close at the 2017 US Open and 2023 Australian Open, the American was determined to finally break through and join the elite ranks of major champions.
Prediction
While Keys has displayed incredible form throughout the fortnight, Sabalenka’s experience and success in Melbourne give her the slight edge. Expect a tight, hard-fought battle with both players showcasing their immense power. In the end, Sabalenka’s consistency and mental toughness should propel her to a historic third straight title.
Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka def. Madison Keys 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-3
