In a captivating clash of powerful groundstrokes and searing serves, American Madison Keys stunned sixth seed Elena Rybakina 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 to charge into the Australian Open quarterfinals. The hard-fought victory marked Keys’ ninth consecutive win to start the 2025 season and sets up a tantalizing matchup with Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina.
Keys, the 2025 Adelaide International champion, came out firing in the first set, using her explosive forehand to great effect. She broke the big-serving Kazakh star early and consolidated the advantage to pocket the opener 6-3.
But Rybakina roared back in the second, reeling off four straight games as Keys’ unforced error count climbed. The 22-year-old comfortably leveled the match, sending the contest to a deciding set.
Keys Unlocks Victory in Tense Decider
In a tense and topsy-turvy final set, it was Keys who ultimately held her nerve. With Rybakina struggling with a lower back issue that hampered her movement, the American seized her opportunity.
“I knew if I could just try to make her service games a little bit competitive, then I had a chance,” Keys said after the match. “I was trying to make anything that I could get my racket on back over the net.”
That tactics paid dividends at 3-3 in the third when Keys got the crucial break. She then served out the contest in style, sealing victory on her second match point with a scorching cross-court forehand winner.
Injury Cloud Hangs Over Rybakina
For Rybakina, the loss will sting, not least because she was far from 100% physically. The 2024 Indian Wells champion has been dealing with uncertainty around her coaching setup, with Stefano Vukov currently unable to get credentialed due to a pending code of conduct investigation by the WTA.
“Of course I want to have who I want in the box, but I couldn’t change it,” a disappointed Rybakina reflected. “At the end of the day, I tried to focus on my matches.”
While Rybakina will rue a missed opportunity, Keys now has a golden chance to reach her first Australian Open semifinal. The 2019 US Open finalist has been in red-hot form to start the new season and will take some stopping as the second week gets underway.
Swiatek Sends Ominous Warning
In other action on Day 8, world No.1 and title favorite Iga Swiatek delivered an ominous statement of intent, demolishing German lucky loser Eva Lys 6-0, 6-1 in just 59 minutes. The Pole was utterly dominant on Rod Laver Arena as she booked a quarterfinal date with either Emma Navarro or Daria Kasatkina.
“I’m so glad I was able to play my game,” a delighted Swiatek said in her on-court interview. “I enjoyed it, which is the most important thing. I’m feeling really comfortable.”
On this form, the three-time major champion will take some stopping in her quest for a maiden Australian Open title. But in a women’s draw teeming with talent, the likes of Keys, Swiatek, Riskéka, and Sakkari will all fancy their chances of going the distance in Melbourne.
As the quarterfinal lineup takes shape, one thing is certain – the 2025 Australian Open women’s singles title is still very much up for grabs. With blockbuster matchups and compelling storylines around every corner, the tournament’s thrilling second week promises unmissable tennis drama. Buckle up!
