Madison Keys pulled off a stunning upset in the final of the Australian Open on Saturday by ending Aryna Sabalenka’s 20-match winning streak to claim the title.
It is a fairytale outcome for the former teenage prodigy who made her WTA debut nearly 16 years ago at the age of 14. Speaking to reporters after her triumph, Keys believes her use of sports therapy has aided her surge in form on the Tour. In contrast, a frustrated Sabalenka holds her head high despite missing a chance to claim her third straight title in Melbourne.
Following the American’s triumph, here are five things to know about Keys’ Grand Slam breakthrough.
- Keys was playing in her 46th Grand Slam draw and had only reached a final once before at the 2017 US Open. In the Open Era, only two women played more major tournaments before winning their first title. Marion Bartoli played 47 events before lifting her maiden major trophy and Flavia Penetta played 49.
- After beating both Iga Swiatek and Sabalenka, Keys is the first woman in 20 years to beat the world No.1 and world No.2 in the same draw at the Australian Open. The last player to do it at a Grand Slam was Svetlana Kuznetsova at the 2009 French Open. Keys is also the oldest player to defeat the world’s top two players in the semi-finals and final of the same Grand Slam since the WTA ranking system was created in 1975.
- Keys’ path to glory saw her beat four top 10 seeds, which is an achievement that has been matched by three other WTA players in the Open Era. Li Na achieved this at the 2011 French Open, Mary Pierce at the 1995 French Open and Evonne Goolagong at the 1980 Wimbledon Championships.
- At the age of 29 years and 11 months, Keys is the oldest first-time female American Grand Slam champion in the Open Era. Only Flavia Panetta, Francesa Schiavone and Ann Jones won their first major title at an older age.
- Keys is now on a 12-much winning streak which is her best run on the WTA Tour in her entire career. Before the Australian Open, she also won the Adelaide International. In eight out of those 12 wins, she dropped a set before winning the match (including one via retirement).