It’s official. Saturday’s showdown will see a fierce battle of power, precision, and poise as Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys collide for the Australian Open 2025 women’s singles finale. Both women took contrasting paths to the championship match, with Sabalenka bulldozing her way past best mate Paula Badosa, while Keys turned a night of Iga Swiatek dominance into a thrilling upset for the ages.
Sabalenka, the reigning champion and world No. 1, was in no mood to entertain sentimentality in her 6-4, 6-2 victory over Badosa. With a mix of ferocity and finesse, the Belarusian ensured that their ‘soulmate’ status didn’t extend to the scoreboard. Sabalenka, who has now won 20 consecutive matches at Melbourne Park, was relentless in her attack, firing 32 winners and breaking serve at crucial junctures to book her place in a third consecutive final — something only Serena Williams has achieved in recent years.
“I hope she’s still my friend,” Sabalenka quipped post-match, adding that she’d pay for their next shopping spree, albeit with a spending limit. Badosa, always one to see the humour in defeat, was quick to capitalise. “Something really expensive then,” she grinned, clearly ready to test Sabalenka’s generosity. Despite the loss, the Spaniard leaves Melbourne with plenty to celebrate, having fought her way back into the top 10 after a career-threatening injury setback.
Over in the other semi-final, Keys and Swiatek delivered a rollercoaster thriller that had fans at the edge of their seats. The American, known for her blistering groundstrokes, pulled off a stunning 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8) win after saving a match point and overcoming Swiatek’s relentless defence.
Keys, whose previous Grand Slam final came at the 2017 US Open, refused to back down even when the world No. 2 served for the match at 6-5 in the decider.
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“I felt like I blacked out at some point,” Keys said with a laugh, summing up the chaos of a high-octane contest that swung like a pendulum. Swiatek, who had barely been touched on serve in the tournament, found herself under siege as Keys attacked with ruthless intent. The Pole had a 7-5 lead in the deciding super tie-break, but Keys clawed back with sheer grit, sealing the win with a blistering forehand as Swiatek’s final shot sailed long.
Now, Sabalenka stands one win away from an elusive three-peat, a feat not achieved since Martina Hingis in 1999. However, Keys, riding a wave of confidence and power, has other plans. With a 4-1 losing record against the top seed, the American will need to find another gear to topple the defending champion.
Elsewhere at Melbourne Park, Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara will face Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in the men’s doubles final, while wheelchair tennis saw dramatic comebacks with Aniek van Koot and Yui Kamiji set to face off in the women’s singles final. In the men’s draw, defending champion Tokido Oda will meet Alfie Hewett in what promises to be an epic showdown.
Saturday’s final awaits. Brace yourselves for a clash of titans.
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