In hindsight, we should have all seen this coming. After all, Madison Keys, who had yet to win a Grand Slam, made a path through the Australian Open woods that was extremely impressive. Even before beating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final, Keys had beaten a murderer's row of WTA greats, including Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina.
Still, most people did not give the American much of a chance against Sabalenka. The Belarusian simply did not lose in Australia, no matter what the tournament was. She had lost once in a few years Down Under. Now, she has lost twice, but she did not go softly into the good night of Melbourne.
The match was fantastic. Keys stunned Sabalenka with power and pristine shot-making in the first set to take it 6-3. Not unexpectedly, Sabalenka appeared to turn the match back around as the Belarusian easily took the second set 6-2. This set up a third set for the ages when Keys got the final break while leading the third set 6-5.
Social media reacts to Madison Keys defeating Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open
The win was the 29-year-old Keys' first major title, and will also see her move up the WTA rankings to No. 7. This matches the best of her career. Sabalenka dropped points by not winning the tournament, but she remains at No. 1 for now.
Social media did not let tennis fans down after Keys' win, though. There was a mixture of congratulations from players and fans alike.
Many congratulations @Madison_Keys! 💪🏻❤️ Well deserved! 🔥 Enjoy!!! 🏆
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) January 25, 2025
Alcaraz is one player who often tweets congrats to men's and women's players. He is a fantastic player himself, of course, but he is also a fan of the sport.
The moment! Omg @Madison_Keys did it! What a freakin match!! @AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/DJcKwGrJ5Y
— Rennae Stubbs ♈️ (@rennaestubbs) January 25, 2025
Watching a player win a Grand Slam, especially the first one, always gives chills. They have worked to improve their game and fight through injuries. Winning a major is the accomplishment of a lifetime, and Keys definitely felt that.
Congratulations Maddi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You earned and deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) January 25, 2025
Unforgettable match! Thx to both players for their display of skill,resilience and grit. Simply amazing! Wonderful Aussie Open! F**k yeah Maddi!!!!!!!!!!!
Lil Wayne has long been known to love tennis. He has voiced his opinions about tennis on social media often. The rapper also was willing to stay up quite late so he didn't miss the women's Australian Open final.
Huge congratulations. You played amazing. All the best 💪🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) January 24, 2025
This is a classy move by Swiatek who lost to Keys in the semifinals. The tweet also shows how well-liked and respected Keys is on the WTA tour.
Nothing makes me shed a tear more than watching athletes achieve their goals. @Madison_Keys has me shedding tears at 6 am. Well done young lady. Well done
— Booger (@ESPNBooger) January 25, 2025
Who knew McFarland loved tennis? It is clear he just loves sport. He expresses his thoughts (and those of many others) perfectly here.
Aryna Sabalenka to her team after losing to Madison Keys in Australian Open Final:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 25, 2025
“As always, that’s your fault guys. I don’t wanna see you for the next week.” 😂😂😂
pic.twitter.com/0qr9QYMIQN
Sabalenka might have lost, but she remained a class individual who did not lose her sense of humor after a massive disappointment. She is still No. 1 and is likely not done winning Grand Slams.