Madison Keys shocks Iga Swiatek to set up final clash with Aryna Sabalenka
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Madison Keys stunned Iga Swiatek to set up an Australian Open final against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. It had appeared the world’s top two players were on a collision course to meet in a grand slam final for the first time, and Sabalenka kept her end of the bargain by beating close friend Paula Badosa 6-4 6-2.
But Swiatek, who had dropped just 14 games en route to the last four, was unable to join her, losing out 5-7 6-1 7-6 (10/8) in a pulsating match against Keys, who reached her only previous grand slam final at the US Open back in 2017. She was beaten by Sloane Stephens on that occasion, and she will be second favourite on Saturday, but, if the 29-year-old can maintain the form she has showed in a brilliant start to the year, a first major title is certainly not beyond her.
Keys saved a match point in the 12th game of the deciding set and let out a shriek of delight after Swiatek’s final forehand flew long. “I’m still trying to catch up to everything that’s happening,” said a stunned Keys. “That match, it’s just such high level and she played so well and I just felt like I was fighting to stay in it. To be able to be standing here and be in the finals is absolutely amazing and I’m so excited that I get to be here on Saturday.”.
Keys, who first reached the semi-finals here a decade ago as a teenager, had only beaten Swiatek in one of their previous five meetings, but she was immediately on the front foot with a break of the Pole’s serve. It was the first time Swiatek had been behind in any match this fortnight and, although she responded well to open up a 5-2 lead, back came Keys.
