Madison Keys delivers an upset, defeats Elena Rybakina to advance in Australian Open

Madison Keys delivered a major upset by eliminating former finalist Elena Rybakina 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, securing her place in the Australian Open quarterfinals for the fourth time in her career. The American has started the 2025 season in remarkable form, achieving her ninth consecutive win this year. Keys will now face Elina Svitolina in the next round.

The world No. 14 capitalised on a shaky start from Rybakina, breaking early in the third game to quickly take a 3-1 lead. Rybakina struggled with her serve in the first set, landing only 53% of first serves, while Keys appeared determined to control the match.

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Keys consistently looked closer to securing breaks than her opponent and sealed another crucial one in the ninth game, closing the set 6-3 in just 33 minutes. The American was more aggressive, hitting 12 winners compared to Rybakina’s 9, but the key difference lay in unforced errors: Rybakina made 20, while Keys had just 5.

The 2022 Wimbledon champion stepped up her game in the second set, breaking Keys in the opening game and maintaining the lead throughout. Keys managed to hold her serve only once as Rybakina dominated, securing two consecutive breaks to claim the set 6-1.

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The third set saw Keys’ returns putting consistent pressure on Rybakina, who landed slightly over 50% of first serves and won just 27% of points on her second serve. Keys showcased her best strokes and appeared more composed as the set reached 3-3, with one break apiece.

Keys gained the upper hand in the final moments, earning a pivotal break in the seventh game and consolidating it with her serve to lead 5-3. She then broke Rybakina again, clinching the match on her second match point. The 30-year-old sealed a hard-fought 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory over the world No. 7 and advanced to the quarterfinals to face Elina Svitolina, who had earlier defeated Veronika Kudermetova in straight sets.

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