Madison Keys stunned Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open women’s final to win her long-awaited first grand slam title while denying the World No 1 a historic ‘three-peat’.

Keys halted Sabalenka’s winning run in Melbourne and triumphed in the battle of two big-hitters, winning 6-3 2-6 7-5 in a thrilling deciding set on the Rod Laver Arena. Sabalenka’s frustration spilled over as she smashed her racket after shaking hands at the net.

It capped an unlikely breakthrough triumph for Keys at the age of 29. She had saved match point in her semi-final win over Iga Swiatek, and joins a small group of players to beat the World No 1 and World No 2 on her way to winning a grand slam title.

Keys becomes the fourth-oldest first-time grand slam champion, in what was her 46th grand slam appearance. “I have wanted this for so long,” Keys said. “I’ve been in one other grand slam final and it didn’t go my way, and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to get back into this position to win a trophy again.”

Tomorrow, Jannik Sinner will attempt to defend his Australian Open men’s title, with the World No 1 facing Alexander Zverev. The big-serving German is aiming to win his first grand slam after two previous defeats in major finals.

Elsewhere, Alfie Hewett has become an Australian Open wheelchair singles champion for a second time, defeating rival Tokito Oda 6-2 6-4 to win his 10th grand slam singles crown. Hewett also won the wheelchair doubles alongside Gordon Reid yesterday. Britain’s Henry Patten claimed his second grand slam doubles title alongside Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara in a late-night epic

Follow the latest updates from the Australian Open final in our live blog below:

Aryna Sabalenka vs Madison Keys - Australian Open live updates

• Madison Keys stuns World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open

• American Keys makes remarkable grand slam breakthrough at age of 29

• Sabalenka’s bid to win three in a row ends in anger as World No 1 smashes rackets

• THIRD SET! Keys breaks Sabalenka in final game to win decider 7-5

• SECOND SET! Sabalenka roars back to win second set 6-2 and force third

• FIRST SET! Keys starts strong and wins opening set against Sabalenka 6-3

• Alfie Hewett wins second Australian Open title with victory over Tokito Oda

• Henry Patten wins second grand slam doubles title after Australian Open epic

• Jannik Sinner faces Alexander Zverev in men's singles final tomorrow

Henry Patten wins second grand slam doubles title after Australian Open epic

15:49 , Eleanor Crooks

Britain’s Henry Patten claimed his second grand slam doubles title alongside Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara in a late-night epic at the Australian Open.

The pair did not walk out on Rod Laver Arena until 10.30pm local time after a lengthy women’s singles final and it took until beyond midnight for the first set of their final against Italian third seeds Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori to conclude.

They were edged out in a 34-point tie-break after having 10 set points but put it behind them to clinch a 6-7 (16) 7-6 (5) 6-3 victory just before 1.45am.

Henry Patten wins second grand slam doubles title after Australian Open epic

Alfie Hewett claims another Australian Open wheelchair title after ‘Federer and Nadal’-like rivalry

15:35 , Eleanor Crooks

Alfie Hewett likened his rivalry with Tokito Oda to that of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal after finally getting the better of the Japanese 18-year-old.

Hewett was unable to hold back tears after defeating Oda 6-4 6-4 in the men’s wheelchair final at the Australian Open to win his 10th grand slam singles title and 32nd overall.

Since beating the teenager in the final here two years ago, Hewett had lost to Oda in three slam finals and the battle for the Paralympic gold medal in Paris last summer.

His dedication to ending the losing run in big finals saw him bring a left-handed hitting partner to Melbourne Park purely to prepare for a potential final against Oda, and it paid off.

Hewett claims Australian Open wheelchair title after ‘Federer and Nadal’-like rivalry

Madison Keys credits therapy for unlocking her potential as grand slam winner

15:05 , Jamie Braidwood

Madison Keys credited lots of therapy for the mental unburdening that allowed her to realise a lifelong dream of winning a first grand slam title.

The American ended Aryna Sabalenka’s hopes of a third straight Australian Open title, seizing her moment to claim a 6-3 2-6 7-5 victory on Rod Laver Arena.

In the Open era, only Flavia Pennetta, Ann Jones and Francesca Schiavone have won maiden grand slam titles later into their career than 29-year-old Keys, who covered her face with her hands in delight and disbelief after sending a final forehand winner fizzing past Sabalenka.

It was not supposed to be this way for the power hitter who turned professional aged 14 having been tipped for greatness at an even younger age.

Madison Keys credits therapy for unlocking her potential as grand slam winner

How Madison Keys overcame the doubts to finally achieve grand slam breakthrough

14:44 , Jamie Braidwood

Madison Keys was 11 years old when she was first told she could win a grand slam. She remembered the excitement she felt, realising the skills and talents she possessed as a junior had the potential to grow into trophies, titles and life-changing success. At 14, Keys played her first professional match. A year later, she won her first tournament on the ITF circuit. Everyone could see the direction Keys was heading in, as if her destiny was written.

Then, at 22, Keys reached her first grand slam final at the US Open. In the biggest match of her life and on the biggest court in tennis, she was blown away by Sloane Stephens in just 61 minutes. The defeat was devastating. For Keys, as time progressed and the years slipped away without a major, the expectation of fulfilling her potential turned into a “burden”. The American became overwhelmed by the fear of failure, of the thought of ending her career with nothing to show for it.

But on Saturday, at the age of 29, Keys took the final step on that journey.

How Madison Keys overcame the doubts to finally achieve grand slam breakthrough

Madison Keys: ‘I kept telling myself, be brave, go for it'

14:20 , Jamie Braidwood

Madison Keys on her mentality on match point, and winning the Australian Open behind a thumping forehand winner.

“I almost felt like I was trying to beat her to it. If I wasn’t going to go for it, I knew she was going to. It really kind of just pushed me to kind of thread the needle a little bit more. I just kept telling myself, Be brave, go for it, just kind of lay it all out on the line. Kind of at that point, no matter what happens, if I do that, then I can be proud of myself. It just made it a little bit easier.”

Madison Keys: ‘Expectation was a heavy burden to carry around'

13:59 , Jamie Braidwood

Madison Keys on her path to finally winning a grand slam, at the age of 29.

“I think everything kind of happens for a reason. I think for me specifically, I kind of had to go through some tough things. I think it just kind of forced me to look at myself in the mirror a little bit and try to work on, like, kind of just internal pressure that I was putting on myself.

“I felt like from a pretty young age, I felt like if I never won a Grand Slam, then I wouldn’t have lived up to what people thought I should have been. That was a pretty heavy burden to kind of carry around. So I finally got to the point where I was proud of myself and proud of my career, with or without a Grand Slam.

“I finally got to the point where I was okay if it didn’t happen. I didn’t need it to feel like I had a good career or that I deserved to be talked about as a great tennis player. I feel like finally letting go of that kind of internal talk that I had just gave me the ability to actually go out and play some really good tennis to actually win a Grand Slam.”

Madison Keys reflects on her Australian Open triumph

13:40 , Jamie Braidwood

“I’m mostly just really proud of myself to get back to this position and be able to play the way that I played and finish on such a strong note. I’m just really proud of myself. I didn’t always believe that I could get back to this point. But to be able to do it and win, it means the world to me.”

Aryna Sabalenka ‘super proud’ of Australian Open run

13:28 , Jamie Braidwood

Aryna Sabalenka reflects on her 20-match tournament winning run coming to end, after reaching a third Australian Open final in a row but losing to Madison Keys.

“I’m super proud. As I was saying before these finals, the thing that I was able to achieve that many wins in a row at one Grand Slam, that’s crazy.

“That’s already something, you know? Anyway, when someone else going to achieve the same, they’re going to say the last player who was able to achieve, they’re going to say my name. It’s already something big. I’m just trying to stay positive right now, find something good (smiling), but that’s crazy.

“I couldn’t even dream, couldn’t even think about that, like, few years ago that I’d be able to win that many matches in the row at one slam. There is definitely something to be proud of and something I definitely have to improve and be better at. It’s always a process of these things to be proud and then to improve some stuff, which didn’t work well. “

Ayrna Sabalenka: ‘She played incredible'

13:07 , Jamie Braidwood

Aryna Sabalenka on her defeat to Madison Keys:

“It’s definitely not the result I wanted to have. I think she just stepped in and play, like, nothing to lose at the end and was just going for her shots. At that moment I went in, so was great tennis. She fought throughout the tournament. She had a lot of difficult matches. In the final, she was playing really aggressively. Yeah, just wasn’t my day.

“If she can play consistently like that, there’s not much you can do. I mean, of course, I know how to play against her, but in this match I couldn’t really do my stuff. She just played incredible. It seems like she was overhitting everything. The depths of the balls were really crazy. I was trying my best. Obviously didn’t work well.

“Tactically I’d say I didn’t play my best, as well, at the beginning of the match. If I could change anything, I would try to start a little bit better with the movement. Maybe be a little bit more aggressive and not try to just play too passive, you know, and play my game no matter what.”

Aryna Sabalenka: ‘I was close to something crazy’

12:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Aryna Sabalenka on throwing her racket after losing the final.

“There definitely was a bit of frustration because I was so close to achieve something crazy. When you’re out there, you’re fighting, but it seems like everything going not the way you really want to go. I just needed to throw those negative emotions at the end just so I could give a speech, not stand there being disrespectful. “

“I was just trying to let it go and be a good person, be respectful (laughter). It’s okay. I mean, I’m the one who knows that after tough losses, there is good wins. So I’ll keep working and make sure that next time, if I’ll be in this situation, I’ll play definitely better.”

Madison Keys wins Australian Open

12:31 , Jamie Braidwood

The winning moment for Madison Keys!

Madison Keys congratulates ‘unbelievable’ Aryna Sabalenka

12:13 , Jamie Braidwood

Madison Keys adds during her victory speech:

“Firstly, Aryna you are an unbelievable player and I’m glad I got you back,” Keys said.

“You are always so tough to play against and we always have the craziest matches. Congratulations to you and your team for another amazing grand slam run.

“Thank you to everyone who came out and cheered the last two weeks. I always feel so at home here.

“I made my very first grand slam semi-final here in Melbourne, so to have won my first grand slam in the same place means the absolute world to me.”

Madison Keys wins Australian Open the hard way

11:58 , Jamie Braidwood

Madison Keys has also won her first grand slam title the hard way. By winning the Australian Open, she has beaten three grand slam winners in Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina and four players in the world’s top 10, having also knocked out Danielle Collins.

She saved match point in the semi-final win over Swiatek, which was one of five matches to go to a deciding set.

Keys is also the first player to win a grand slam by defeating the World No 1 and World No 2 since Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova at the 2009 French Open and the first at Australian Open since compatriot Serena Williams in 2006.

Madison Keys and the story of an unlikely breakthrough

11:38 , Jamie Braidwood

The story of Madison Keys’ grand slam breakthrough is one of perseverance. She turned professional at the age of just 14, and comes through to win her first major title at the age of 29.

She has won the Australian Open in what is her 11th appearance, while also becoming the player to have the longest gap between her first grand slam final defeat (in 2017) and first grand slam title (2025).

She is the fourth oldest first-time grand slam champion.

Madison Keys on grand slam title: ‘I have wanted this for so long’

11:22 , Jamie Braidwood

An emotional Madison Keys admits she did not know if she was going to ever win grand slam as the American fights back to the tears during her speech.

“Bare with me, I’m absolutely going to cry,” Keys says, before turning to Sabalenka: “I’m glad I got you back.”

“This is where I’m going to cry - I have wanted this for so long,” Keys says.

“I’ve been in one other grand slam final and it didn’t go my way, and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to get back into this position to win a trophy again.

“My team believed in me every step of the way. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and helped me every step of the way.

“I love you all so much and I cannot wait for more. I just want to say thank you so much. I’m so appreciative towards every single person who helped me continue to believe in myself and push on to achieve this dream.”

Aryna Sabalenka congratulates Madison Keys on Australian Open win

11:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Aryna Sabalenka turns to her coaching team, who are laughing and sending a ‘love heart’ at the runner-up.

“Should I say anything to my team? Why are you laughing? As always that’s your fault guys!” Sabalenka laughts.

“I don’t want to see you for the next week - I really hate you! Thank you so much for everything and blah, blah blah.

“I think we did our best, just Madison was doing incredible and I couldn’t do anything in this match. Next time I play Madison I will bring better tennis.

“Of course, sending love to my team. I love you even though we lost.”

Aryna Sabalenka congratulates Madison Keys on Australian Open win

11:11 , Jamie Braidwood

Aryna Sabalenka has composed herself and makes a classy speech, congratulating Madison Keys on her grand slam breakthrough.

“It’s OK, I hope I see you next year! First of all, Madison, wow. What a tournament. You have been fighting really hard to get this trophy, you have been playing unbelievable tennis, you crushed it tonight. Congrats to you and your team, really well deserved. Enjoy the celebration, enjoy the fun part.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who makes this tournament happen, thank you for making my stay comfortable. I really feel at home every time I am here and even though I didn’t get it this time I will be back stronger and will do my best next year. Thank you guys for an amazing atmosphere throughout. You guys are amazing.

“Of course thank you to all the sponsors, tournament director, everyone who was helping - I am speechless - thank you so much.”

Madison Keys wins Australian Open title

11:07 , Jamie Braidwood

Madison Keys is the oldest first-time Australian Open women’s champion, and at 29 is just the fourth woman to win her first grand slam title at this stage of her career. Only Flavia Pennetta, Ann Jones and Francesca Schiavone had previously won their first grand slam after turning 29.

Madison Keys wins Australian Open title

11:00 , Jamie Braidwood

A tough defeat for Aryna Sabalenka to take. Her second defeat in a grand slam final, and second to an American after also losing to Coco Gauff at the US Open in 2023.

She remains World No 1, and a three-time grand slam champion. But Sabalenka let her frustration out and smashed her rackets after shaking hands at the net.

MADISON KEYS WINS AUSTRALIAN OPEN

10:58 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Madison Keys 6-3 2-6 7-5 Aryna Sabalenka

Keys is laughing through the happy tears on court, as Sabalenka heads down the tunnel to conceal her own.

Keys is looking directly at her husband, and coach, Bjorn Fratangelo. What an inspired decision that was from the American!

MADISON KEYS WINS AUSTRALIAN OPEN

10:56 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Madison Keys 6-3 2-6 7-5 Aryna Sabalenka

Hugely emotional, contrasting scenes as Keys hugs her team by the side of the court and Sabalenka cover her face with a towel.

This really is one of the most unexpected grand slam triumphs in recent years. Keys, at 29, must have thought over the years that a grand slam was beyond her.

But she has stormed through both Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka to win, ending the World No 1’s 20-match winning run at Melbourne Park.

MADISON KEYS WINS AUSTRALIAN OPEN

10:49 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Madison Keys 6-3 2-6 7-5 Aryna Sabalenka

UNREAL! In the tightest of final sets, Madison Keys plays the game of her life to win her first grand slam title! Aryna Sabalenka’s winning run is over!

The American puts her hands to her head in disbelief! Sabalenka can’t believe it either! She is furious but hugs Keys at the net! Afterwards, she slams her rackets to the ground.

The 29-year-old wins her first grand slam, and what a way to do it! She beats the World No 1, with the backhand winner to seal it!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:48 , Jamie Braidwood

*Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 5-6 Madison Keys

Strong first serve from Sabalenka... the return from Keys is hacked, and drifts just wide.

WINNER FROM KEYS!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:46 , Jamie Braidwood

*Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 5-6 Madison Keys

Are we heading into a match tiebreak for the title? Sabalenka loses the first point with a forehand error, and Keys thumps the backhand error to move two points away!

0-30! Keys goes for it on the backhand, but it’s out.

SABALENKA NETS ON THE FOREHAND!

IT’S TWO CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS TO MADISON KEYS!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:43 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS HOLDS! *Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 5-6 Madison Keys

Sabalenka gestures to herself as she can’t keep the return in play on 0-15. But Sabalenka powers the forehand return past Keys on the second serve! Ruthless, attacking play!

Pressure on Keys, especially the first serve. She finds it, beating Sabalenka by finding her spot down the middle.

30-30. What a shot from Keys! Sabalenka thumped the deep return but Keys, on the half-volley, steers it back for a winner.

WINNER FROM KEYS! She finds the serve and puts the forehand behind Sabalenka! Keys holds and gets through to a tiebreak at least!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:41 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA HOLDS! Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 5-5 Madison Keys*

This is so tense. The title is one game away.

Sabalenka nets on the opening point but Keys can’t take advantage, and pushes the backhand long when she had a look at 0-30.

Excellent from Sabalanka to find the serve and forehand winner. Keys stretches but can’t return. It’s 30-15.

Winner from Sabalenka with the backhand down the line! Nothing Keys can do. She does, though, get a look at attacking the second serve and does so to put Sabalenka on the back foot.

40-30. Brilliant, spinny serve from Sabalenka down the middle. Precision, not power, beats Keys. We go on!

5-5!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:36 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS HOLDS! *Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 4-5 Madison Keys

Keys has her heart in her mouth as Sabalenka lines up the forehand strike against the second serve, but the World No 1 nets.

Sabalenka goes to the drop shot, Keys reaches it but can’t clear the net on the low forehand. A small chance for Sabalenka on 40-30.

But she can’t keep her return in play and Keys moves a game away from the title! Though this is still on serve. Sabalenka will have to hold to stay alive. A couple of gifts there from Sabalenka on the returns.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:33 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA HOLDS! Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 4-4 Madison Keys*

It feels like I’ve barely said anything about the Sabalenka serve in this set. That’s because the World No 1 has been dominant, and skips through a second consecutive love-hold. It switches the pressure back onto Keys.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:33 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS HOLDS! *Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 3-4 Madison Keys

After a couple of misses on the returns, Sabalenka goes big on the forehand against the Keys second serve and turns it into the winner.

This time the backhand pins Keys onto the baseline and the American nets. A pressure point to come on 30-30.

Keys finds the excellent combination, wide serve followed by a forehand winner into the opposite corner.

Backhand winner from Keys! “Come on!” she roars! The American moves two games away. Impressive hold, while playing on the front foot!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:29 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA HOLDS! Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 3-3 Madison Keys*

What a shot from Sabalenka! She reaches low to her backhand side to deliver a thumping winner over the high part of the net and down the line.

Great defence and coverage from Sabalenka to reach the Keys forehand crosscourt, as the American then floats long.

40-0. Keys goes long on the return. The comfortable holds continue but who can make the first break?

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:26 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS HOLDS! *Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 2-3 Madison Keys

Sabalenka makes an incredible get out wide to return a Keys overhead, but the effort is for nothing as the American pops the winner into the empty court.

Sabalenka slices the drop shot into the net and Keys gets the hold, edging back ahead in the decider. That was a brilliant overhead from Keys, stretching over her left shoulder.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:24 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA HOLDS! Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 2-2 Madison Keys*

Another routine service hold from Sabalenka, with Keys unable to make any inroads into the World No1’s serve. The American concedes the game with a forehand return that goes long.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:19 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS HOLDS! *Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 1-2 Madison Keys

Sabalenka senses a big chance as she cracks another gap in the Keys serve and looks at 0-30. Keys steadies with the forehand winner past Sabalenka, and the throws everything she has at the World No 1 behind the forehand.

Sabalenka defended well, but then couldn’t find the pass. Sabalenka nets on the return and Keys holds from 0-30 down! A big moment?

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:16 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA HOLDS! Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 1-1 Madison Keys*

Sabalenka shurgs off a drop-shot into the net. She too finds good serving, as Keys goes long on the return.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:13 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS HOLDS! *Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 0-1 Madison Keys

A love-hold with an ace? That’s about as good as it could have been for Keys, who needs her serve to return to the levels she found in the first set. She needed that.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:11 , Jamie Braidwood

Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 0-0 Madison Keys*

No delay as the third set gets underway. Keys will serve first but this feels like a must-hold game for the American given the direction of the second set.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:09 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA WINS SECOND SET! Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 Madison Keys*

Sabalenka improved in almost every category in the second set, particulary on serve as she found 83% serving and cut out the double faults. The winners started to flow, too, out-hitting Keys with 13 winners to eight and making fewer unforced errors.

Keys struggled on serve and won just 38% of second serve points, as Sabalenka broke twice.

Onto a deciding set we go! Who will find their best level in the third?

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:06 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA WINS SECOND SET! Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 6-2 Madison Keys*

Really clever from Sabalenka. She has switched up her game nicely and the drop shot is working wonders, and she floats the deft slice just beyond the net.

30-0 and two points away from the set. Keys this time reads the short ball but can’t clear the net on the forehand!

Three set points for Sabalenka to take us into a deciding set! But this won’t be easy for the World No 1, a double fault brings Keys into it at 40-30.

But Keys can’t keep her forehand in play as she looks for the big winner! Sabalenka pumps her first again and levels the match!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

10:01 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS HOLDS! *Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 5-2 Madison Keys

Keys was ahead 5-1 in the first set but Sabalenka found a way to come back into it, which helped her start the second so well.

Now the American hopes to do the same ahead of a possible third set, but the level of her serving has fallen and Sabalenka senses a chance.

Keys, though, finds a tricky second serve that Sabalenka can’t attack. Great defence from Sabalenka, but she can’t take over in the point and fires long.

Sabalenka misses on the return and Keys holds. The World No 1 will serve for the third set next.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:58 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA HOLDS! Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 5-1 Madison Keys*

Another drop shot from Sabalenka! This time to save another break point. Keys then nets on two consecutive returns and Sabalenka pumps her fist as she earns an important hold.

Five games in a row for Sabalenka.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:55 , Jamie Braidwood

*Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 4-1 Madison Keys

What a shot from Keys! Terrific backhand from the American, and possibly the biggest winner of the final so far, and it brings up two break points.

Sabalenka responds with the ace down the middle. ACE from Sabalenka. Her improving serving has really helped turned this final around her way.

Now she works the serve into the drop shot, which Keys is unable to reach. Keys is not down yet and lands her second winner of the game with a stunning forehand down the line.

Deuce.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:50 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA BREAKS! *Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 4-1 Madison Keys

Sabalenka’s growing confidence is on display as she floats a drop shot and skips to move 15-30 up. Sabalenka ramps up the pressure on the backhand side and Keys nets!

Another two break points on the Keys serve... Sabalenka finds the backhand winner crosscourt as Keys came into the net!

Sabalenka has roared back and this final has turned!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:46 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA HOLDS! Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 3-1 Madison Keys*

The Sabalenka serve is starting to stand up to the pressure Keys has been applying on the returns. The World No 1 rallies from 0-30 down to hold, as Keys nets on the backhand out wide.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:42 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA BREAKS! *Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 2-1 Madison Keys

Sabalenka jumps on the Keys second serve as the ball sits up perfectly for the forehand strike. A fifth break point of this set, and Sabalenka takes it! She attacks on the backhand this time, and takes the break at last. The pressure eventually tells against the Keys serve.

The defending champion roars back into this.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:40 , Jamie Braidwood

Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 1-1 Madison Keys*

Sabalenka clips the net-cord on the backhand and moves to 0-30 on the Keys serve! But the American finds her spots and gets back to 30-30 with an ace.

Sabalenka keeps asking questions, and will have a look at break point as Keys goes wide on the backhand. It’s followed by another ace from Keys.

Sabalenka is showing signs of improving in the rallies and Keys makes another miss. Again, the serve delivers to save a second break point, as Sabalenka can’t return out wide.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:36 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA HOLDS! Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 1-1 Madison Keys*

Sabalenka accidentally strikes Keys in the face with a smash that the American lost track of. Sabalenka catches the line with her serve to add insult to injury.

But Keys overcomes Sabalenka again in the baseline rally. 30-30. A chance for Keys as she moves in on the backhand, but she can’t keep the short ball in play.

Keys fires long on the return and Sabalenka holds.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:32 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS HOLDS! *Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 0-1 Madison Keys

Keys follows in on the forehand for the second point in a row and brings another miss from Sabalenka.

Still feels like this game could go either way... and Keys nets on the forehand! Another break point for Sabalenka, but Keys responds with the ace!

Excellent redirection from Keys on the backhand, which rocks Sabalenka from side to side and plants the winner down the line.

Sabalenka nets on the return! Keys saves break point to earn the opening hold.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 0-0 Madison Keys*

Keys gets to serve first to start the second set, as Sabalenka eyes an improvement. Keys pushes a backhand long after having a look at the shot down the line.

Sabalenka can step in and pushing Keys into the defence, but she can’t keep the smash in play! Sabalenka dropped her racket almost as soon as she struck the smash.

Sabalenka responds with the drop shot and then a huge forehand return winner, bringing up break point in this opening game.

Chance for Sabalenka, but she nets on the forehand after Keys advanced into the net! We got to deuce on the opening game.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:23 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS WINS FIRST SET! Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 Madison Keys*

An excellent first set from Keys, who was the more aggressive player and is out-hititng Sabalenka with 11 winners to just four from the defending champion.

Sabalenka has made 13 unforced errors to her four winners, as well as four double faults. Her second-serve points won percentage is lower, too, down at 54%.

Keys is in charge as Sabalenka heads off court for a break and a rethink.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:21 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS WINS FIRST SET! Aryna Sabalenka 3-6 Madison Keys*

Can Sabalenka continue this mid-set charge and put more pressure on Keys? She has to fight from 0-30 down as the forehand crashes into the net.

But the defending champion stays strong in the rallies and forces Keys into the forehand miss on the run. Back to 30-30.

DOUBLE FAULT FROM SABALENKA! Another one, on a big point as well! It brings up another set point for Keys.

Keys finds the backhand winner down the line and takes the first set of the Australian Open final!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:18 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA BREAKS! *Aryna Sabalenka 3-5 Madison Keys

Now can Keys keep this up, and close out the first set of the final? Sabalenka balloons the forehand for a huge miss on the opening point!

I was just going to say that Keys is lookinng the opposite, relaxed and in control, but she blasts the forehand error after standing over the net! It’s followed by the backhand error. 15-30.

A bit more pressure now... and it’s followed by the drop shot into the net! Two break points for Sabalenka.

Keys strikes big on the backhand to save the first, but Keys swings wildly at the backhand. Sabalenka gets a break back.

Keys has to shake that off. Four errors in five points and Sabalenka takes the game.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:13 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA HOLDS! Aryna Sabalenka 2-5 Madison Keys*

Sabalenka saves with the wide serve! Keys commits to the forehand strike on the second-serve return, but fires long.

Can Sabalenka stay alive in this set? Not just yet. Keys stays committed to the forehand and this time powers the return winner into open court!

Another winner from Keys keeps the game going as Sabalenka had advantage. The World No 1 gets back to game point with the backhand winner.

Is the defending champion playing herself into form? Keys nets and that’s a big hold from Sabalenka. Despite the double break.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:09 , Jamie Braidwood

Aryna Sabalenka 1-5 Madison Keys

Suddenly Sabalenka is playing to stay in the set. The defending champion will be telling herself to stay patient.

But the errors continue to mount. A volley slumps into the net, and the backhand drifts long. Ooooof. Sabalenka then catches the edge of the line, to bring up 30-30. Another inch and that would have been set point.

But Keys finds the backhand pass! Sabalenka could not put her opponent away and Keys will have set point to take the lead in the Australian Open final!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:06 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS HOLDS! *Aryna Sabalenka 1-5 Madison Keys

Keys is playing lights out right now. The American even pulls off a backhand slice, on the run, that just drops over the net on the angle.

ACE from Keys to hold to love. That’s as good a service game as you can play in a grand slam final. She moves a game away from a first set lead.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:04 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS BREAKS! Aryna Sabalenka 1-4 Madison Keys*

The great thing about this match-up and final is both players will stay true to their games no matter what.

For Sabalenka, getting out of trouble in this opening set means going bigger, as she finds the forehand winner.

But Keys replies with a stunning, sharp forehand crosscourt winner inside the line. Sabalenka was passed at the net.

Another double fault from Sabalenka! Wow - chance for the double break for Keys in the fifth game of the final.

Sabalenka pauses. She finds the first serve out wide and then attacks on the forehand. But Keys digs in, defends, and Sabalenka nets on the short volley!

DOUBLE BREAK TO KEYS! The Sabalenka serve is struggling!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

09:00 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS HOLDS! *Aryna Sabalenka 1-3 Madison Keys

Keys converts a break of serve 90% of the time, and she earns another super hold. A big, spinny second serve gives Sabalenka nothing to play with on the return.

An error from Keys on the forehand side, looking for the corner, but Sabalenka goes long on the next return and the American moves further ahead.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

08:56 , Jamie Braidwood

SABALENKA HOLDS! Aryna Sabalenka 1-2 Madison Keys*

Sabalenka also went 2-0 down in the first set of her semi-final against Paula Bodosa, but Keys has settled well here.

She dials in the return on the opening point but Sabalenka responds behind the forehand. 15-15.

Keys takes a couple of steps back to size up the forehand. Winner! What a strike from Keys, as she moves 15-30 up.

Keys can’t take advantage in the long rally - she goes long as Sabalenka roars to herself. A big serve follows from Sabalenka.

Keys nets on the backhand return and Sabalenka gets on the board. She withstands Keys for now.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

08:52 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS HOLDS! *Aryna Sabalenka 0-2 Madison Keys

Super start from Keys, as her serve finds its mark down the middle to move to 30-0. But Sabalenka responds, upping the power in the early exchanges between the big-hitters.

She blasts Keys out of the rally to get back to 30-30. Keys finds the first serve, works Sabalenka out wide, and then puts away the volley into the opposite side.

Sabalenka out on the return! Keys consolidates the break!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

08:49 , Jamie Braidwood

KEYS BREAKS! Aryna Sabalenka 0-1 Madison Keys*

Sabalenka with a double fault on the opening point. Keys floats a soft backhand return on the second serve, as Sabalenka fires the forehand winner.

Sabalenka hits the net on the forehand, and Keys gets into a rally for the first time. Keys then goes long on the forehand.

30-30. It’s quite breezy out there on the court. A second double fault from Sabalenka! This brings break point.

Keys finds the baseline! Sabalenka is pushed back, and Keys steps in. Forehand winner! Keys take the opening break, in a nervy start from the champion!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

08:45 , Jamie Braidwood

*Aryna Sabalenka 0-0 Madison Keys

Let’s go! Sabalenka is the heavy favourite, but Keys has nothing to lose and is arguably the in-form player.

Keys won the toss and chose to receive!

*denotes next server

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

08:39 , Jamie Braidwood

Here we go! Keys is out first, thanking a security guard as she steps out onto court. Sabalenka follows, still with headphones on.

The Rod Laver Arena is crackling as both players walk out and pass the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup as they step out onto court.

We’ll have a quick coin toss and then the warm-ups will begin.

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

08:36 , Jamie Braidwood

Madison Keys is waiting in the tunnel underneat the Rod Laver Arena. Aryna Sabalenka is not far away, listening to some music on her headphones.

Not too long now before the players walk out onto the court!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

08:27 , Eleanor Crooks

Inspiration from opponent Aryna Sabalenka and a willingness to embrace change have carried Madison Keys to the brink of a long-awaited first grand slam title.

The American was hailed as the next big star of women’s tennis when she turned professional aged just 14 but, 15 years later, her best slam result remains a one-sided loss to Sloane Stephens in the US Open final in 2017.

But that could well change on Saturday, when Keys will take on two-time defending Australian Open champion Sabalenka in her second slam final having produced a stunning upset of Iga Swiatek.

She is confident she has learned from her US Open experience, saying with a smile: “I’ve obviously thought of that match endlessly for the past eight years.

“I think, during that match, I was so consumed with being nervous and the moment and the opportunity and all of that, that I never really gave myself a chance to actually play.”

Madison Keys out to unlock secret of grand slam success in Australian Open final

Alfie Hewett wins second Australian Open title

08:20 , Jamie Braidwood

Congratulations to Alfie Hewett, who has become the men’s singles champion at the Australian Open for the second time after beating his rival Tokito Oda 6-2 6-4.

Hewett adds to his 2023 singles victory with his 10th career grand slam singles title, with a straight-sets victory over the 18-year-old Japanese star Oda.

Yesterday, Hewett and Gordon Reid won their sixth consecutive men’s wheelchair doubles title. Quite the weekend already for Hewett, who now has 32 grand slams overall!

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

08:16 , Jamie Braidwood

What has Madison Keys said about Aryna Sabalenka?

“What’s really impressive is her mentality. I think her ability to kind of always go for it, no matter what the score is, is really impressive. She plays such fearless tennis. She has the ability to play so well that way. I think it’s very unique.

“I think a lot of people, no matter what, even if it was a tight point, you kind of expect them to play a little bit more conservative or back down a little bit, and you know she’s not going to do that.

“I think not only is that impressive on her side, but I think it puts a little bit more pressure on her opponents where you know you’re always going to have to try to win the point because she’s never going to just play passive and give you an easy point.”

Keys vs Sabalenka LIVE: Australian Open updates

08:05 , Jamie Braidwood

What has Aryna Sabalenka said about Madison Keys?

[Speaking about the US Open semi-final in 2023]: “I was under so much pressure. It felt like she was just going for her shots, and everything was going in. She was just crushing it.

“I think at some moments she was just… she started questioning herself. I saw that and I felt like now is the moment to make sure that you put as many balls back as you can. I think that was the crucial moment to turn things around.

“She played incredible, aggressive tennis in that semi-final.”

Aryna Sabalenka vs Madison Keys head-to-head

07:51 , Jamie Braidwood

This will be the sixth match between Sabalenka and Keys and third at the grand slams. Sabalenka has won four of their five previous encounters and the only victory for Keys came on grass.

Their last meeting was on hard courts at the China Open in Beijing last season, with Sabalenka winning in straight sets. Before then, Sabalenka came from a set down to beat Keys in the 2023 US Open semi-final.

2024: Beijing, round of 16, hard court: Sabalenka won 6-4 6-3

2023: US Open, semi-final, hard court: Sabalenka won 0-6 7-6 (1) 7-6 (5)

2023: Wimbledon, quarter-finals, grass: Sabalenka won 6-2 6-4

2021: Berlin, round of 16, grass: Keys won 6-4 1-6 7-5

2018: Cincinnati, quarter-finals, hard court: Sabalenka won 6-3 6-4

Madison Keys on what to expect in final versus Aryna Sabalenka

07:36 , Chris Wilson

Speaking after her semi-final win, Keys had this to say on her final opponent.

"There will definitely be some big hitting and definitely not a lot of long points but she's obviously going for her third Australia Open and I'm excited to get to play her,” said the American.

"I'm really excited for the challenge and I don't know, Saturday is very far ahead in my brain right now,” she added.

Aryna Sabalenka powers her way into another Australian Open final

07:30 , Chris Wilson

Aryna Sabalenka is one win away from a third consecutive Australian Open title after beating close friend Paula Badosa in the semi-finals.

The world number one dropped her first set at Melbourne Park since the 2023 final against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova last time out but normal service was resumed in a 6-4 6-2 success.

Sabalenka and Badosa describe themselves as soulmates, and the Belarusian saw at close quarters the obstacles Badosa overcame to make it to her first grand slam semi-final, with a persistent back problem almost forcing her into retirement.

Aryna Sabalenka powers her way into another Australian Open final

Madison Keys wins battle of wills against Iga Swiatek in Australian Open thriller

07:17 , Chris Wilson

Tennis has seen its fair share of mesmerising performances. 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.

Read Michael Jones’s full report of the semi-final win:

Madison Keys wins battle of wills against Iga Swiatek in Australian Open thriller

What happened in the semi-finals?

07:03 , Chris Wilson

Aryna Sabalenka put in a dominant display to ease past Spanish opponent Paula Badosa in the last round, winning 6-4, 6-2 against the 11th seed.

Meanwhile, 19th seed Keys produced one of the shocks of the tournament to beat second seed Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals.

The American required a final set tiebreak to beat Swiatek, eventually winning 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8) to take her place in the second major final of her career.

When is the Australian Open women’s final?

06:45 , Jamie Braidwood

It will start from 8:30am GMT (UK time).

How can I watch the Australian Open?

In the UK, the Australian Open will be broadcast live on Eurosport. Subscribers can also stream the action online on the Eurosport website or with the discovery+ app.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Novak Djokovic responds to boos after retiring from Australian Open semi-final

06:44 , Jamie Braidwood

Novak Djokovic was booed off the court by some sections of the Rod Laver Arena crowd after retiring from semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic stopped after raising his thumbs as he left the court at the end of the first set, to audible jeers from some fans.

The 37-year-old was asked about that reaction in the Serbian section of his post-match press conference.

"I don't know what to say,” Djokovic said. “People have come and paid for the tickets expecting a great match and a big fight, which they didn't get.

"From that perspective, I can understand. I am doing my best to understand them, but I am not sure whether they understand me or if they even want to."

“I know how my body works, what I feel, and I know how much I’ve given to this tournament in the past 20-plus years. I will stop here, so that I don’t continue (speaking) in the wrong direction.”

Retiring Novak Djokovic booed as Alexander Zverev tells off Australian Open crowd

06:42 , Jamie Braidwood

Novak Djokovic retired from his Australian Open semi-final yesterday to a chorus of boos from sections of the Rod Laver Arena crowd as opponent Alexander Zverev called for “respect” to be shown to the 10-time champion.

Djokovic immediately shook hands with Zverev upon losing the first-set tiebreak after struggling with a torn muscle in his upper left leg, sustained in his quarter-final comeback over third seed Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.

There were a few jeers from the crowd as the match ended far earlier than expected and the 37-year-old, who was bidding to become the oldest grand slam champion of all time in Melbourne, held his thumbs up as he departed the court.

Retiring Novak Djokovic booed as Alexander Zverev tells off Australian Open crowd

Madison Keys v Aryna Sabalenka start time and how to watch Australian Open final

06:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Aryna Sabalenka will aim to win a third Australian Open in a row against first-time finalist Madison Keys on Saturday in a battle of two big-hitters in the women’s singles final.

World No 1 Sabalenka has won 20 matches in a row at Melbourne Park and can become the first player to win three women’s singles titles in a row since Martina Hingis achieved a ‘three-peat’ in 1999.

Keys defeated second seed Iga Swiatek in a thrilling semi-final clash on Thursday and the 29-year-old is aiming to win her first grand slam title, having lost the US Open final to Sloane Stephens in 2017.

Keys and Sabalenka also met in the US Open semi-final in 2023, in what was a hugely emotional defeat for the American player at her home grand slam.

She will be out for revenge but stands as the underdog against Sabalenka, who has the chance to underline her status as the best player in the world with a fourth grand slam title at the age of 26. Here’s everything you need to know.

Madison Keys v Aryna Sabalenka start time and how to watch Australian Open final

Australian Open - Aryna Sabalenka vs Madison Keys

06:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the Australian Open women’s singles final.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka takes on 19th seed Madison Keys, with the former looking for her fourth major and Keys making just her second ever major final appearance.

Stick with us for full live coverage of the clash.