By Leo Hewitt-Provost
In 2017, 22-year-old Madison Keys from the United States of America made the headlines by making the US Open final against her compatriot Sloane Stephens, and although she lost that game, Keys talked about how crucial it was for her to move on and find peace in her world after that tough loss. As years went by, Madison Keys stayed true to herself, as well as her game, remaining consistent in her rankings, and achieving big results, such as making the semi-finals of Roland Garros the year after her final, and two US Open semi-finals since. 2024 was far from easy for the Illinoisan, but Keys started the 2025 season very strong, winning the WTA 500 in Adelaide earlier this month.
It was no easy run for Keys however in this Australian Open, in order to get to the semi-finals and playing against 5 time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek; she has had to play against former Australian open finalist Danielle Collins, before beating both Elena Rybakina and Elina Svitolina, two fierce competitors.
Facing Iga Swiatek was always going to be Madison Keys’ most challenging task, the Polish number one has played some fine tennis in this competition, but perhaps needed a challenge before facing a fierce Madison Keys in the semi-finals of this Australian Open, who was hungry for victory. As the match started to unfold in front of a crowd packed with Polish and American fans, the American came out swinging and started the match aggressively against five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek. Swiatek committed several unforced errors, but Keys also faltered on her serve. Within the first 10 minutes, Swiatek had already hit two double faults, marking her most challenging match of the tournament so far. Keys capitalized on Swiatek’s struggles in her second service game, hinting at tension in Swiatek’s camp.
Swiatek racked up unforced errors, while Keys had her own shaky moments on serve. Within 10 minutes, Swiatek had already double-faulted twice—her toughest match of the tournament so far. Keys took advantage of Swiatek’s second service game, and the pressure was clearly mounting on the world number two.
Despite Keys’ aggressive play, Swiatek fired back, breaking for 2-1 with a flawless love game. The chaotic start continued, with neither player holding serve consistently.
Swiatek finally found her rhythm and held serve for 3-2 as Keys handed her the game with unforced errors. Keys, who won Adelaide earlier in the year, was making too many mistakes, racking up 10 unforced errors in no time. Swiatek capitalized, stretching her lead to 4-2. Despite a third double fault, she stayed composed and went up 5-2.
Keys, now serving to stay in the set, hit her first ace, followed by a second, fighting off Swiatek’s eagerness to close things out. She managed to hold for 5-3 and broke back to 5-4 out of nowhere using Swiatek’s hesitation to get back in the fight. Swiatek looked shaky,
missing a key smash that allowed Keys to level at 5-5. But Swiatek held firm, taking the set 7-5 after Keys’ comeback attempt fell short.
Swiatek, who was aiming to set up a final clash with world number one Aryna Sabalenka for the first time in Australia, kept forcing Keys to take risks. But the second set started like the first—Swiatek’s bad service game gifted Keys a 1-0 lead.
Keys kept the momentum, holding for 2-0. Swiatek’s inconsistency crept in again, and Keys broke twice to take a commanding 3-0 lead. Then, a near-perfect service game with three straight aces put her up 4-0.
Keys stayed cool while Swiatek crumbled, making sloppy mistakes to fall 5-0 behind. The Polish star finally held serve to avoid a bagel, but Keys easily closed the set 6-1, tying things up.
The deciding set saw Keys hold her first service game, looking confident. Swiatek responded for 1-1, showing signs of life. But Keys stayed solid, leading 2-1.
Swiatek struggled through a tough hold for 2-2. The match felt more balanced, but Keys kept pushing, holding for 3-2 before Swiatek leveled it at 3-3.
Keys kept her composure to hold for 4-3. Swiatek barely hung on in the next game, saving breakpoints but clearly rattled.
At 5-4, Keys had a chance to finish it, but Swiatek held for 5-5. Then, under pressure, Keys fell 0-40 down on serve. She fought back to 30-40 but couldn’t hold on—Swiatek broke and served for the match.
But it wasn’t over. Swiatek double-faulted, pushing the set to a tiebreak at 6-6. Both players went all in, delivering an epic final stretch.
After a grueling third set lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes, Madison Keys pulled off a stunning win, 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8). Overcome with emotion, she broke down in tears, while Swiatek’s inconsistency cost her a spot in the final. Keys now faces Sabalenka for the title on Saturday, with the American wanting to ruin Sabalenka’s celebration, understandably so, as she aims to win her first ever Grand Slam at 29 years old.