World number one Sabalenka was bidding to become the first woman since Martina Hingis in the late 1990s to win three straight titles at Melbourne Park. But American Keys, who seemed destined never to achieve the slam success that had been predicted when she turned professional aged only 14, followed up her upset of second seed Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals by claiming a 6-3 2-6 7-5 victory. In the Open era, only Flavia Pennetta, Ann Jones and Francesca Schiavone have won maiden grand slam titles later into their career than 29-year-old Keys, who covered her face with her hands in delight and disbelief after sending a final forehand win fizzing past Sabalenka.
Keys, who is the oldest woman to make her slam breakthrough at Melbourne Park, rushed over to her courtside coaching pod, where she sobbed in the arms of husband Bjorn Fratangelo, who has played a crucial role in her breakthrough having agreed to become her coach last year. In her only previous grand slam final at the US Open eight years ago, Keys had been paralysed by nerves and won only three games against good friend Sloane Stephens. After stepping up to receive the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, an emotional Keys “There’s no way I’m getting through this without tears.
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 •.
