Madison Keys gets emotional while delivering beautiful words to her team and husband after the Australian Open final

Madison Keys made her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open since 2017, where she made the US Open final.

Madison Keys gets emotional while delivering beautiful words to her team and husband after the Australian Open final

Madison Keys while giving winner's speech at the Australian Open (Image via screengrab/X)

American tennis star Madison Keys achieved her dream of winning a Grand Slam by defeating defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final. The American underdog won 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 to claim her first major title. It was her second Grand Slam final and her first in over seven years.

The match was filled with emotions from both players. Sabalenka showed her frustration by smashing her racket and crying under a towel. In contrast, Keys celebrated joyfully, sharing a heartfelt hug with her team after her hard-fought victory.

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I’ve wanted this for so long. I’ve been in one other slam final. I didn’t know if I’d be able to get back here. My team believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Last year was so tough with so many injuries, and being able to do it in front of her husband is great.

Madison Keys said in her Australian Open post-tournament ceremony

During the trophy ceremony, Keys warned the audience that she might cry during her speech. Despite her nerves, she gave a heartfelt speech, praising Sabalenka for her performance and impressive tournament run.

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Keys became emotional while thanking her husband and her team. She broke down in tears as she spoke about the challenges she overcame, especially during a difficult, injury-filled 2024 season.

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Madison Keys makes history at the Australian Open

Madison Keys won her first Grand Slam title by defeating World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final on Saturday. This was her second Grand Slam final after losing to Sloane Stephens at the 2017 US Open.

With a new Yonex racket and a changed service motion, the 29-year-old put on an outstanding performance to secure the win. She now holds the record for the longest gap between first and second Slam finals in the Open Era and is the fourth-oldest first-time Slam champion.

Madison Keys
Madison Keys (via X)

Keys achieved several milestones during this tournament. She saved a match point in the semifinals to defeat No.2 seed Iga Swiatek, becoming the 16th player in the Open Era to win a Slam after facing match point. Keys also defeated both the World No.1 and No.2 players in the same tournament, a feat last achieved at a Grand Slam by Svetlana Kuznetsova at Roland Garros in 2009.

This victory came in Keys’ 46th Grand Slam appearance. Only two players, Flavia Pennetta and Marion Bartoli, needed more attempts to win their first major. Following her win, Keys will move up to No.7 in the WTA rankings, matching her career-high position last held in October 2016.

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Keys is on a 12-match winning streak, the longest of her career. This streak began with her title win in Adelaide two weeks ago. She also made history by becoming the first player in the Open Era to win the Australian Open with four consecutive three-set victories in the final rounds.