– I’m going to start crying, there’s no way I’m going to make it through this. This means everything to me and I am so grateful. “I’ve been wanting this for so long, was in a final a long time ago and didn’t know if I’d get the chance again,” Keys said through tears after being bumped by Evonne Goolagong (see fact box below).
Keys lost the US Open final to Sloane Stephens in 2017.
Keys opened strongly and broke straight away to take the first set clear. But Sabalenka took hold of the match by taking home the second set just as clearly.
Keys was the one who held it together the best and was then able to take home the even third set. Keys burned her first match point on Sabalenka’s serve but finished with a beautifully placed forehand to wrap up the match.
Sabalenka smashed the racket in anger
After they hugged in front of the net, Sabalenka broke her racket while Keys had a kiss party with her loved ones.
– Wow what a tournament you made Madison! I will come back even stronger next year and thank you for all the support, says Sabalenka, who usually teases her team.
– You know it’s your fault and I don’t want to see you for a week, I hate you so much, no, but thank you for everything you do for me blah, blah, blah, Sabalenka laughs and tears down the applause at Rod Laver Arena.
In the semifinals, Keys had a match point against her when she knocked out world number two Iga Swiatek. She will now rise to seventh place in the rankings, while Sabalenka remains world number one.
Sabalenka missed out on becoming the first player to win three straight titles in Melbourne since Martina Hingis in 1997-1999.