Keys, who had never reached a final, stunned the back-to-back champion and world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, in a three-set thriller at the Rod Laver Arena.

The 29-year-old Keys, who defeated the second-seeded Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals, needed three sets to overcome her highly favoured opponent in what was only her second Grand Slam final appearance. She raced through the first set, while the Belarusian fought back in the second. Keys remained composed in the deciding set to clinch the championship 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 and join an elite club in Melbourne.

Following her historic win, the emotional champion said she had been dreaming of this day for a long time, crediting her success to a team effort.

From one champion to another.@madison_keys ?? @SabalenkaA#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/fuqomxMRJl

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2025

“I’m absolutely going to cry. Thank you to my team – and this is where I’m going to cry – I have wanted this for so long, and I’ve been in one other Grand Slam final, and it didn’t go my way,” said Keys.

“I didn’t know if I was ever going to be able to get back to this position to try to win a trophy again, but my team believed in me every step of the way, so thank you so much.

“They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and helped me every step of the way. Last year was so tough with some really bad injuries, and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to do it again. 

“To be here, to have this trophy, and to also be able to share it with my husband – who is kind of dazed and confused over there – I love you all so much, and I cannot wait for more.”

The Keys to victory!@Madison_keys caps an incredible fortnight with a breakthrough Grand Slam title!

She beats Collins, Rybakina, Svitolina, Swiatek and Sabalenka to claim the crown.@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/p2RdID6JQc

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2025

Keys also took a moment to congratulate the now-former champion, Sabalenka, for her impressive hard-court campaign, which saw her reach a third consecutive final.

“Firstly, Aryna, unbelievable playing –a nd I’m glad I finally got you back – but unbelievable tennis. You’re always so tough to play, and we always have the craziest matches, so congratulations to you and your team for another amazing Grand Slam run.”

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the defending champion and world number one, Jannik Sinner, will face former Olympic champion Alexander Zverev in the men’s singles final. The match is scheduled to start at 10:30.

 OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg