Aryna Sabalenka is on the cusp of making tennis history as she prepares to face Madison Keys in the Australian Open final on Saturday. A victory would secure her third consecutive Australian Open title, a feat last achieved by Martina Hingis between 1997 and 1999.
Sabalenka’s Dominance
Since her maiden Grand Slam victory at Melbourne Park in 2023, Sabalenka has been a formidable force on the WTA tour. She successfully defended her title in 2024, defeating Zheng Qinwen in straight sets.
Entering the 2025 final, Sabalenka boasts a 20-match winning streak at the Australian Open, underscoring her dominance on hard courts.
Path to the Final
In the semifinals, Sabalenka overpowered Paula Badosa with a 6-4, 6-2 victory, showcasing her aggressive baseline play and powerful serve.
Her consistent performance throughout the tournament has solidified her position as the world number one.
The Challenger: Madison Keys
Madison Keys, the 19th seed, has had an impressive run to the final, including a stunning upset over second-seeded Iga Swiatek. Keys saved a match point to secure a 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8) victory, demonstrating resilience and a bold approach to her game.
This marks Keys’ second Grand Slam final appearance, her first since 2017.
Head-to-Head
Sabalenka and Keys have faced each other multiple times, with Sabalenka leading their head-to-head record. Their most recent encounter was in the 2023 U.S. Open semifinals, where Sabalenka emerged victorious.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Greatest Moments in the History of the Australian Open.
Historical Significance
A third consecutive Australian Open title would place Sabalenka among the legends of the sport. In the Open Era, only five women have achieved this milestone, including Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis.
Such an accomplishment would further cement Sabalenka’s legacy in tennis history.
As Sabalenka and Keys prepare to face off in the final, tennis enthusiasts anticipate an exciting match. Sabalenka’s pursuit of a historic third consecutive title adds an extra layer of excitement to this year’s Australian Open finale.
Prediction
Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka to win at 1.29.
