When it seemed all the way to a final between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek at the 2025 Australian Open, an outstanding performance by Madison Keys knocked out the world No. 2.
After losing the first set, the American player did not stop fighting and made a comeback on the iconic Rod Laver Arena that almost no one would have imagined. Two hours and 37 minutes sealed the feat for Keys, who will return to play a final in a Grand Slam tournament eight years after the first time (when she was defeated by her compatriot Sloane Stephens at the 2017 US Open).
Madison had already reached the semifinals at Melbourne Park twice, in 2015 and 2022 respectively, but had never reached the final. In addition, the American star was behind 1-5 in the h2h against the former world number 1 it was really difficult to imagine this score on the eve of the challenge.
Swiatek disappointed in Melbourne
Iga didn't play her best tennis, she appeared too nervous in the decisive moments and made many more unforced errors than usual. The American shot many more winners than her opponent (36 vs. 22) and was braver in making the difference when the situation required it.
Speaking on Eurosport, WTA legend Justine Henin commented on Swiatek's shocking loss to Keys: "I think tactically she did not get in the right position in that match, she was scared that Madison would put pressure on her.
On hard courts we know she can be in a rush and she has been in a rush a lot, not being in the good rhythm.
She was scared of that match. She had match point and could have reached her first final here so its a big disappointment."
Although Madison played one of the best matches of her entire career, there is no doubt that this loss represents a great disappointment for the Polish champion.
The current world number 2 had played very convincing tennis up to this point in the tournament, but her certainties crumbled one step away from the final.
