Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys play for the title at the Australian Open. Sabalenka beat Paula Badosa in the semifinals. Keys then surprisingly won against world number two Iga Swiatek.
A little later, the American Madison Keys followed her into the final in the Rod Laver Arena. The 29-year-old surprisingly won against the Polish world number two Iga Swiatek 5:7, 6:1, 7:6 (10:8) and reached her first final at the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne. “I’m in the final,” said Keys after her victory in the high-class duel with Swiatek, in which she successfully fended off a match point.
“I pay for shopping”
“I’m sure she’ll hate me for the next few hours, all day. That’s okay, I can take it”Sabalenka said after defeating her very good friend Badosa: “If she sees this, I promise we’ll go shopping and I’ll pay for anything she wants.”
At the end of the interview on the square Rod Laver Arena but then she added with a smile: “I’m going to set a limit because she can be crazy.” In the final on Saturday (January 25th, 2025), Sabalenka can compete for the third time in a row after 2023 and 2024 Grand Slamtournament in Melbourne triumph. The last time the Swiss Martina Hingis achieved this was from 1997 to 1999.
Favorite extremely dominant
Sabalenka earned her 20th win in a row at the Australian Open with her usual powerful baseline game and great quality on her own serve. Her opponent and friend Badosa, who was in the top four at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time, was only able to keep up with the high pace at the beginning.
After 86 minutes, Sabalenka converted her first match point. Afterwards, the friends hugged each other warmly at the net. Celebrities also watched in the stands of the Rod Laver Arena, including US model and TV presenter Tyra Banks.
Friendship remains
The duel should not harm the friendship between Sabalenka and Badosa. “Whatever happens on the pitch: we remain friends after our matches”said Sabalenka.
Madison Keys follows Sabalenka into the final
In the second game of the day, Swiatek faced the in-form and experienced American, who was already playing her seventh Grand Slam semi-final. In a hard-fought first set, Swiatek was only able to break away at the end. “That’s what sets Iga apart. That she’s there in the important moments,” praised three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber at the Eurosport microphone.
Afterwards, the world number 14 showed her best side. Swiatek had no chance in the second round and also lost the close deciding set despite a late break lead. “This match was at such a high level, just a battle. To be in the final is fantastic and I’m so excited,” said Keys.