Sports Desk, Jan 23 (EFE).- Madison Keys, ranked 14th, outplayed world number two Iga Swiatek in a gripping Australian Open semi-final on Thursday, securing her place in the final for the first time.
The American’s relentless attacking style proved too much for the Polish player in a thrilling match filled with twists, lasting two hours and 37 minutes. The American emerged victorious with a score of 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8).
Now, the seasoned 29-year-old will face Aryna Sabalenka in the final, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown that promises to be riveting. Swiatek’s loss ensures that Sabalenka will retain the world No. 1 ranking. Sabalenka defeated Spain’s Paula Badosa with a score of 6-4, 6-2.
“I’m in the finals,” said Keys. “That match was such a high level. She played so well, and I felt like I was trying to stay with it, then kind of ran through the second set and the third was just a battle. To be standing here and to be in the finals is amazing, and I’m so excited to be playing in the final on Saturday.”
Swiatek entered the court as the favorite but struggled to control the match from start to finish, even as both players battled until the last point of the super tiebreaker.
Keys displayed strong and experienced play in this high-stakes match—this was her eleventh Australian Open appearance and she reached the semifinals for the third time (2015, 2022).
She managed to break serve eight times against an opponent who had not lost her serve in four previous matches.
Swiatek had a first set point at 5-3 but failed to convert it. Keys’ determination, always on the attack and focused, paid off when she secured a break and leveled the score at 5-5. However, Swiatek managed to push through and closed the first set at 7-5.
Keys quickly turned the tide with an unstoppable run of five consecutive games, demonstrating her prowess. Although Swiatek managed to stop the bleeding at 5-1 and saved two set points, she ultimately succumbed to the American’s tenacity in the third set.
Though Swiatek found some rhythm in the third set, her performance was inconsistent compared to her previous matches. The audience at Rod Laver Arena enjoyed her fantastic shots and explosiveness, but noted that her consistency had dipped. Keys never faltered, increasing the uncertainty about the match’s outcome.
Swiatek dodged two break points before tying the score at 4-4. The next game was chaotic, with Swiatek at 0-40, but it ended with Keys securing the advantage and positioning herself to serve for a place in the final.
Despite being just two points away from victory, Keys lost her opportunity with a poor approach to the net, leading to an unexpected break for Swiatek.
Swiatek, however, was unable to relax. Keys saved the first match point with a good return and managed another break to tie the score at 6-6. The five-time Grand Slam champion struggled against an opponent who had yet to win a grand title.
The super tiebreak featured double faults, cannon shots, balls hitting the net, misguided net approaches, and improbable volleys. The score reached 8-8. A superb serve from Keys gave her a match point, and a long forehand from Swiatek opened the door to the final. This will be Keys’ first final in Melbourne and her second in a top-tier tournament.
Sabalenka and Keys have faced each other five times, with a record of 4-1 in favor of the Belarusian. EFE
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