Madison Keys found a key for the Grand Slam title
Eman Sadikovic (bloggeroftennis)
Student at Faculty of Political Science, University of Sarajevo
In 2017, 22-year-old American prodigy Madison Keys lost in the US Open final to Sloane Stephens. 6 years later, at the same place, Madison served for the match against her future Grand Slam final rival – Aryna Sabalenka and lost the match. The question was – will Keys have another chance?
?They [her team] believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and helped me every step of the way. Last year was so tough, with some really bad injuries, I didn’t know if I was gonna be able to do it again.“ Keys said today while holding back tears during the trophy presentation.
In Adelaide, Madison won the title and full of confidence came to Melbourne. Keys was a break down in the deciding set against Ruse in the 2nd round. The draw wasn't helping. In the 3rd round, a straight-set victory against her compatriot and 2022 Australian Open runner-up – Danielle Collins. The draw led to another big obstacle – 2023 Australian Open runner-up – Elena Rybakina. Keys won the match in three sets.
Elina Svitolina was her rival in the quarterfinals. Again, the match went into deciding set but at this tournament, deciding moments are the moments when Keys plays her best tennis – she won the match. En route to the semifinal, Swiatek was dropping only a few games. Iga won the opening set, Madison the 2nd and for the 4th time, she had to play a decider.
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At 4-all in the deciding set, Keys saved 0-40 plus one more break point. Swiatek served for a match at 6-5 and had a match point. Keys saved it, made a break and the match went into a deciding tie break. Swiatek led the whole time. The 1st lead in a tie break was a match point for Madison which he converted.
In the final today, the American played an incredible 1st set in which had 86% of 1st serve. For the 5th time, Madison had to play a deciding set. The key moments of Keys win was 5-all 30-all when she hit an incredible under pressure forehand down the line. The 2nd match point, forehand cross court winner and she did it!
Sweet dreams are made of this!