Madison Keys faces Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final after defeating Iga Swiatek. Djokovic battles injury. Patten & Heliovaara reach doubles final.
The Australian Open is underway, with the women’s final set between Madison Keys and Aryna Sabalenka. Several compelling narratives have emerged from the tournament thus far.
Madison Keys secured her spot in the final against Aryna Sabalenka after defeating Iga Swiatek in a thrilling semi-final match. Keys won with a score of 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8), saving a match point against Swiatek. This victory marks Keys’s second major final appearance. She expressed excitement for the upcoming challenge against Sabalenka, anticipating a match characterized by intense hitting and short points. Pat Cash described Keys’s win as gritty, highlighting her impressive nerve.
Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the final for the third consecutive year after a straight-sets victory over Paula Badosa, with a score of 6-4, 6-2. Sabalenka is aiming for her third consecutive Australian Open title, a feat last achieved by Martina Hingis between 1997 and 1999. Sabalenka emphasized the significance of potentially etching her name in history and retaining the world number one ranking due to Swiatek’s defeat. Sabalenka overcame an early break to dominate Badosa, winning 12 of the next 16 games. Despite their close friendship, Sabalenka remained focused on her goal and later consoled Badosa.
The head-to-head record favors Sabalenka, who has won four of their five encounters, including their most recent match. Keys’s only win was on grass in 2021. This will be Keys’s second Grand Slam final, her first being the 2017 US Open where she lost to Sloane Stephens. Keys had lost her previous four Grand Slam semi-finals and will be the underdog in the final against Sabalenka, who is aiming for her third consecutive Australian Open title.
In the men’s singles, Novak Djokovic is facing concerns about his fitness after missing practice due to a left thigh injury sustained in his quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic is scheduled to play Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals, while Jannik Sinner will face Ben Shelton. Zverev reached the semi-finals after defeating Tommy Paul in four sets, in a match interrupted by a bizarre incident involving a feather falling on the court. Djokovic commented on his injury, stating that it is similar to an injury he had in 2023. He is focusing on recovery and hopes the extra day of rest will be beneficial. He also expressed respect for Alcaraz, calling him a terrific competitor. Jannik Sinner defeated Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals, demonstrating his dominance in all aspects of the game. Ben Shelton criticized the broadcasters at the Australian Open for negative and disrespectful interviews.
In other events, GB’s Patten & Finn Heliovaara reached the doubles final, and Hewett reached the wheelchair singles and doubles finals. Henry Patten hopes his Wimbledon victory will help his Melbourne title bid in the men’s doubles.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/cpdx47d7559o
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/madison-keys-iga-swiatek-live-score-stream-australian-open-b2684800.html
https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/live/cvgny8p6v7pt