Madison Keys says landing her maiden grand slam title "means the absolute world", after stunning Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final. (More Sports News)
🐬The 29-year-old ended her major duck with a 6-3 2-6 7-5 victory over the world number one and two-time defending champion on Rod Laver Arena.
ꦚKeys, who was runner-up to Sloane Stephens at the 2017 US Open, became the oldest American (male or female) to win their first major singles title in the Open Era.
🎃The 19th seed, who saved match point before fighting back to beat Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals, also equalled Caroline Wozniacki (11) for the most women's singles main-draw appearances taken by a player to win at Melbourne Park.
ౠ"I made my very first grand slam semi-final here in Melbourne [2015], so to now have won my first grand slam in the same place means the absolute world to me," she said during her on-court interview.
🍃"I have wanted this for so long. I have been in one other grand slam final and it did not go my way.
🍒"I didn't know if I was ever going to get back to this position to try and win a trophy again. My team believed in me every step of the way.
ꦰ"They believed in me when I didn't believe in myself, and helped me every step of the way. I am so appreciative to every single person who helped me continue to believe in myself, and push on to achieve this dream."
෴To Sabalenka, she added: "Unbelievable tennis. [She's] always so tough and we always have the craziest matches. Congratulations on another amazing grand slam run."
🍌Sabalenka narrowly missed out on becoming the first woman since Martina Hingis between 1997 and 1999 to win three straight Australian Open titles.
🐷The world number one's frustration was evident after Keys sealed victory with a thumping forehand, lashing her racquet down before heading off to the locker room in tears.
ꦺNevertheless, upon returning to the court, Sabalenka was gracious in defeat.
♏"What a tournament [for Madison]. [She's] been fighting really hard to get this trophy. [It was] really well-deserved," she said.
🦹"I think [our team] did our best, but Madison was playing incredibly and I couldn't really do anything in this match.
ꦿ"I really feel at home every time I'm here. Even though I didn't get it this year, I'll come back stronger and do my best next year."
