Keys advances to the final and next takes on Sabalenka
Madison Keys could have considered giving up her swinging style and taking a more cautious approach against a determined Iga Swiatek during certain points in what would end up being an incredible Australian Open women's singles semi-final. Yes, that is not her style, but in these high-stress situations, the mind frequently sets the rules.
For example, late into the third set, she was twice over with a love-40 down on her serve. Or when she lost the nerve-racking first-to-10 match tiebreaker by a score of 5-7.
However, Keys continued to dangle and shine. She maintained an optimistic outlook and kept her foot on the pedal. She continued to persevere and remain near the Pole.
This swinging Keys secured a ticket in the Australian Open final for the first time when Swiatek's forehand went long. After the two-hour, thirty-five-minute, drama-filled match finished with scores of 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8), Keys dropped to her knees, covered her cap with her left palm, and started crying.
despite losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open semifinal despite coming very close to victory, the American also broke down in tears, questioning whether she would ever be able to return to these major arenas. She is now taking on Sabalenka, going one step further. At 29, she is vying for her maiden Grand Slam victory, eight long years after she previously attempted it at the US Open in 2017.
-t-thumb.jpeg)
