American 19th seed, Madison Keys, has emerged champion at the Australian Open after maintaining her composure to upset heavy favourite and world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, in the final on Saturday.
The 29-year-old’s 6-2 2-6 7-5 in Melbourne win sees her claim her first Grand Slam title at the second try, having lost at the US Open final in 2017 to compatriot, Sloane Stephens.
Sabalenka, on her part, has now failed in her quest to become the first since Martina Hingis in 1999 to win the Australian Open three straight times.
The 25-year-old Belarusian will remain world number one despite the loss, while Keys, who also beat world number two, Iga Swiatek to reach the final, will jump into the top 10 to seventh spot.
“I have wanted this for so long. I never knew if I’d be in this position again,” Keys said, jokingly adding, “I’m glad I’ve got you back” – Keys was referring to her loss to Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open semi-final.
Apart from beating the top two players in the world, Keys also beat Danielle Collins and Elena Rybakina on her run to the title Down Under.