Madison Keys wins battle of wills against Iga Swiatek in Australian Open thriller
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The 29-year-old American will now face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final as she attempts to win a first gram slam title. Tennis has seen its fair share of mesmerising performances. Andy Murray’s gallant five-set thrillers, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal clashing in their prime, Serena Williams dominating with power and skill in equal measure.
![[Madison Keys’ powerful forehand and blistering serves helped her defeat Iga Swiatek]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/23/11/51/AP25023394439759.jpeg)
Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek provided another one. Under the roof and the lights of the Rod Lever Arena the pair delighted, thrilled, and broke the hearts of themselves and the watching crowd as Keys claimed a 5-7 6-1 7-6 (10-8) win in a match fit for a final.
![[Swiatek had a match point saved before losing a tie breaker to Keys]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/23/10/42/AP25023387995652.jpeg)
Only this wasn’t one. It was a semi-final and the reward for the winner was a meeting with defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. Sabalenka who, earlier in the day, had powered her way past Paula Badosa in a 6-4 6-2 victory to book her spot in the showpiece match and set up the chance to win a third title in a row at this tournament.
![[Keys celebrating her stunning victory]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/23/13/23-f7ce57bce4864b1db64de3183fe052a1.jpg)
Swiatek is ranked number two in the world and was the favourite to triumph ahead of the start. Yet, from the get-go it didn’t seem as though the Pole wasn’t settled. An immediate break of serve from Keys should have been the sign that this match would be anything but simple. When Swiatek broke back in the second game that realisation was beginning to dawn. Two more breaks followed, and the first set was on serve despite neither player managing to hold their own.
But that was just the opening salvo. Swiatek settled into a better rhythm and took control with Keys missing too many attempts to win with her driving forehands. There was a moment for Swiatek, a kind bounce and good angle to dispatch a backhand down the line which would have won the set comfortably, but she missed. Instead, Keys responded and drew level, her tennis steadily improving and her confidence growing. Swiatek took the first set 7-5, breaking Keys’ serve in a crucial game to take the lead.
