
Andy Murray's gallant five-set thrillers, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal clashing in their prime, Serena Williams dominating with power and skill in equal measure.
Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek provided another one. Under the roof and the lights of the Rod Laver Arena the pair delighted, thrilled, and broke the hearts of themselves and the watching crowd as Keys claimed a 5-7 6-1 7-6 (10-8) win in a match fit for a final.
Only this wasn’t one. It was a semi-final and the reward for the winner was a meeting with defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. Sabalenka who, earlier in the day, had powered her way past Paula Badosa in a 6-4 6-2 victory to book her spot in the showpiece match and set up the chance to win a third title in a row at this tournament.
Swiatek is ranked number two in the world and was the favourite to triumph ahead of the start. Yet, from the get-go it seemed as though the Pole wasn’t settled. An immediate break of serve from Keys should have been the sign that this match would be anything but simple. When Swiatek broke back in the second game that realisation was beginning to dawn. Two more breaks followed, and the first set was on serve despite neither player managing to hold their own.
This story is from the January 24, 2025 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the January 24, 2025 edition of The Independent.
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