The stage is nicely set for the women’s singles final of the Australian Open after Madison Keys saved a match point before stunning world number two Iga Swiatek to set up a final against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Keys claimed a shock 5-7 6-1 7-6 (10-8) win over five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek to reach the second major final of her career.
Poland’s Swiatek served for the match at 6-5 in the third set and held match point but Keys saved it, broke back and then recovered from 7-5 down in a fraught tie-breaker to progress.
That came after Belarusian top seed Sabalenka earned the chance to become the first woman in 26 years to win three successive Australian Open titles with a commanding 6-4 6-2 win over close friend Paula Badosa.
While Keys has achieved a career-best Australian Open run, Sabalenka is aiming to emulate Martina Hingis’ three straight titles between 1997-99.
“I have goosebumps. I am so proud of myself and my team that we were able to put ourselves in such a situation,” Sabalenka said.
“If I put my name in history it will mean the world for me. I couldn’t even dream of it.”
Swiatek’s loss also means Sabalenka will retain the world number one ranking after the tournament.
