Aryna Sabalenka has set the stage for her third consecutive Australian Open title. Next Saturday, she will face American Madison Keys, ranked 14th in the world, in an unexpected battle for the women’s final of the first Grand Slam of 2025.
With this final, Sabalenka will consolidate her position as WTA No. 1, while Keys is guaranteed to move up a few places in the rankings.
For Keys, it is the second Grand Slam final of her career: the first was at the 2017 US Open, where she lost to compatriot Sloane Stephens.
The 29-year-old Keys has always been tipped to take Williams’ place in the US, but injuries have prevented her from playing to her full potential.
While Sabalenka, 26, has always impressed with her powerful strokes, her mental fragility prevented her from excelling on the court until four years ago.
They have met 5 times since 2018, with Keys winning just once, on grass, in 2021.
