Iga Swiatek was left to rue squandering a match point on Thursday but said "brave" Madison Keys deserved to be in the Australian Open final.It will be the American's first Australian Open final, and only her second in Slams, and she broke down in tears after finally getting over the line in 2hr 35min.
World No 7 is not fully fit but has mental edge in semi-final over opponent who has repeatedly cowered under pressure
Keys saved a match point before winning in a final set tie-break while Sabalenka saw off close friend Paula Badosa.
American veteran Madison Keys stopped the Iga Swiatek train in spectacular style, coming from behind to edge a three-set epic by the smallest margin possible.