American tennis star Madison Keys displayed remarkable determination to secure her place in the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2025, overcoming Elina Svitolina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The 19th seed, now on a 10-match winning streak, will face either Iga Swiatek or Emma Navarro for a spot in the final. This marks Keys’ third semi-final appearance at Melbourne Park, 10 years after her first.
Keys’ Road to the Semi-Finals
At nearly 30 years old, Keys has been in sensational form this season, leading the WTA Tour with 12 wins. Her journey to the semi-finals included victories over former Australian Open finalists Elena Rybakina and Danielle Collins. The momentum from her recent Adelaide title win, where she defeated world number six Jessica Pegula, has propelled her back into the WTA Top 10 rankings.
The Match: A Battle of Resilience
Keys had to dig deep after a challenging start, as Svitolina controlled the opening exchanges. Reflecting on her performance, Keys said, “I felt like I needed to be more aggressive and get to the net quicker. She was dominating the points and making me run, so I had to change my approach.”
First Set: Svitolina Takes the Lead
The opening set was tightly contested until the eighth game, where Svitolina broke Keys’ serve to gain a 5-3 advantage. A powerful ace gave Svitolina three set points, and she clinched the set in 33 minutes as Keys’ defensive approach faltered.
Second Set: Keys Fights Back
Keys came out stronger in the second set, applying pressure on Svitolina’s serve. Although Svitolina saved three break points early on, Keys finally broke through at 3-2 with a stunning forehand winner. She maintained her advantage, leveling the match after 76 minutes.
Decider: Keys Seals the Victory
With both players dropping just one service game each, the deciding set hinged on a crucial break. Keys capitalized on her opportunity at 2-2, delivering a powerful backhand return winner. She maintained her composure and sealed the match in 1 hour and 53 minutes.
Aiming for the Title
Keys’ incredible form and adaptability make her a strong contender for the Australian Open title. As she prepares for the semi-finals, all eyes will be on her as she looks to extend her winning streak and capture her first Grand Slam title.
