Madison Keys’ emotional reaction to ‘dream’ Australian Open title and Aryna Sabalenka’s classy message

Oliver Paton 25 Jan 2025 1:20 PM

Madison Keys celebrates her Australian Open victory with her team

The 2025 Australian Open women’s final between Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys was full of drama, but it was the American who finished as the victor – winning 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.

Keys collected her first Grand Slam, becoming the fourth-oldest woman to win their first major singles trophy and the oldest to beat the world No 1 and 2 at the same Grand Slam event.

Once the dust had settled and both players took their place for the trophy ceremony, the respect between the two was vivid.

The two-time defending champion Sabalenka was the first to speak, and she made sure that she warmly congratulated the 2025 winner.

“First of all, Madison, wow,” the world No 1 said. “What a tournament. You have been fighting really hard to get this trophy, you have been playing unbelievable tennis, you crashed it tonight.

“Congrats to you and your team, really well deserved. Enjoy the celebration, enjoy the fun part.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who makes this tournament happen, thank you for making my stay comfortable. I really feel at home every time I am here and even though I didn’t get it this time I will be back stronger and will do my best next year. Thank you, guys, for an amazing atmosphere throughout. You guys are amazing.”

The Belarusian also extracted laugher from the Australian Open crowd after jokingly saying to her team: “Should I say anything to my team? Why are you laughing? As always that’s your fault guys!

“I don’t want to see you for the next week – I really hate you! Thank you so much for everything and blah, blah blah.

“I think we did our best, just Madison was incredible and I couldn’t do anything in this match. Next time I play Madison I will bring better tennis. Of course, sending love to my team. I love you even though we lost.”

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After the three-time Grand Slam champion collected her runners-up trophy and left the podium, it was Madison Keys’ turn to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup – a clearly emotional moment for the American.

“Bear with me because I’m absolutely going to cry,” the world No 14 said. “There is no way I get through this without tears, so sorry in advance!

“Firstly, Aryna you are an unbelievable player and I’m glad I got you back,” the American said – after not defeating the Belarusian for nearly four years.

“You are always so tough to play against and we always have the craziest matches. Congratulations to you and your team for another amazing Grand Slam run.

“Thank you to everyone who came out and cheered the last two weeks. I always feel so at home here.

“I made my very first Grand Slam semi-final here in Melbourne, so to have won my first Grand Slam in the same place means the absolute world to me.”

The 29-year-old American moved on to thanking her team, which includes her husband Bjorn Fratangelo – who has been coaching her since June 2023.

“I just want to say thank you to my team – this is where I’m going to cry – I have wanted this for so long,” Keys continued.

“I’ve been in one other Grand Slam final [at the 2017 US Open] and it didn’t go my way, and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to get back into this position to win a trophy again.

“My team believed in me every step of the way. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and helped me every step of the way.

“I love you all so much and I cannot wait for more. I just want to say thank you so much. I’m so appreciative towards every single person who helped me continue to believe in myself and push on to achieve this dream.”