This was definitely the most difficult and demanding match of Iga Świątek at this year’s Australian Open. Madison Keys played aggressively, regularly sent strong balls and forced us to run often. When the Pole was leading 5:2 in the first set, it seemed that she was starting to build her way to the final. But the American equalized the score 5:5, although then she looked weaker in the next two games. Later, our Tennis player was defeated in the second set 1:6.
The third game was a real battle of nerves, a fierce fight for every ball and enormous physical effort. Świątek hasn’t played such a close set for a long time. Unfortunately, it did not end happily for her. She missed the match ball. She was leading 8-7 in the super tie-break, but she couldn’t keep it, losing the next three games.
This is how Keys commented on the thriller from Świątek
Madison Keys did not hide in her post-match interview on the court that she was very tired. This battle lasted over two and a half hours. For her, this is the second Grand Slam final in her career. She couldn’t believe what she had done. – I’m still trying to process it in my head. I’m in the finals! – said the happy American.
– It was a match at a very high level, Iga played really well. I tried to hold on until the end. The third set was simply a battle. The opportunity to advance to the final is amazing. “I’m excited to be here on Saturday,” she added.
Keys felt like she was in shape and felt like she was playing better and better as the match went on. She was sure that she was doing so well that Świątek had no matchball, and the Pole had it at 6:5, 40:30.
-– Even after losing the first set, I felt that I was playing better and better tennis and had more and more good moments. I entered the second set with a bang. Later there were a lot of ups and downs, a lot of important points, opportunities to break through… Did she even have the match ball? If so, I must have missed it. I tried to fight until the end. I was determined. It was a war of nerves for both of us, we were both pushing. I’m happy that I managed to win, she said.
See also: It’s gone! This is how Sabalenka behaved after the match against Badosa
Keys was also asked about her views on the direct clash with Aryna Sabalenka, who is defending the title. But she couldn’t gather her thoughts, she was focused on what had happened a few moments earlier. – There will definitely be many long exchanges. I’m excited to play with her. I will try to prepare as best as I can, she said.
Madison Keys won in three sets 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (8). This is her second victory against a Pole in her career.
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