Madison Keys reaches Australian Open semifinals with comeback victory over Elina Svitolina

Madison Keys achieved a remarkable 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Elina Svitolina to secure a spot in the Australian Open semifinals for the third time in her career and the seventh time at a Grand Slam. The American now boasts an impressive 10-0 record to start the season and awaits her next opponent.

The world No. 14 arrived in Melbourne in great form, but few would have predicted her as a semifinalist. However, she once again displayed the consistency that has defined her career, relying on her powerful forehand and strong mental game to navigate crucial moments. Keys becomes the third semifinalist and awaits the winner of the match between Iga Swiatek and Emma Navarro.

Madison Keys keeps perfect season alive

Both players started strongly on serve, holding comfortably in their opening service games. In the fifth game, Keys came close to breaking, but Svitolina held her ground after four deuces to keep her serve intact. While both players appeared to be in good form, mid-set action revolved around Keys’ aggressive approach, with both winners and errors shaping the outcome.

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A few key points went Svitolina’s way, enabling her to secure a crucial break in the eighth game before closing out the set 6-3 on serve. Svitolina managed a 68% first-serve percentage compared to Keys’ 70%, but the key difference lay in the 15 unforced errors from Keys against just four from the Ukrainian.

In the second set, Keys saved an early break point and began taking the initiative, dictating points with her forehand. The set followed a similar pattern, where Keys’ winners and errors determined the flow. The American recorded 20 winners and 16 unforced errors in this set. After squandering several break chances, Keys finally broke for a 4-2 lead and took the set 6-3, taking advantage of Svitolina's 50% first-serve rate.

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Svitolina grew increasingly frustrated as the match progressed, especially as she managed to keep up with Keys but faltered during key points. She also struggled against Keys’ ability to push her around the court. Taking advantage of Svitolina’s second serves, Keys secured a break in the fifth game of the deciding set, positioning herself well to close out the match.

Keys held onto her lead despite Svitolina’s determined effort in the final games, clinching a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory in one hour and 54 minutes. In the semifinals, Keys will face either Emma Navarro (No. 8) or Iga Swiatek (No. 2). As for Svitolina, she will continue her quest for a maiden Grand Slam final, but her strong run ensures she climbs to world No. 18 in the rankings.

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