15 years later: Shelton and Keys bring double American glory in Australian Open

Ben Shelton and Madison Keys achieved a joint milestone for American tennis at the Australian Open, one last accomplished by Andy Roddick and Serena Williams. Both reached the semifinals, marking the first time in over 15 years that both male and female American players are among the final four in Melbourne.

Both are surprises in their respective draws, as the lowest-ranked among the four players remaining. Keys (World No. 14) emerged as the top-performing American woman in the tournament, the only one to reach the semifinals, despite starting as the fifth-highest-ranked American behind Coco Gauff (No. 3), Jessica Pegula (No. 6), Emma Navarro (No. 8), and Danielle Collins (No. 11).

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“I felt like I had to start playing just a bit more aggressively and get to the net a little quicker,” Keys reflected after losing the first set to Svitolina. “She was controlling a lot of the points and making me run, so I felt like I needed to try and get on the advantage a little quicker. Luckily I was able to do that.”

Shelton (World No. 21), on the other hand, began the tournament as the fourth-ranked American man behind Taylor Fritz (No. 4), Tommy Paul (No. 11), and Frances Tiafoe (No. 16). He capitalised on a draw filled with upsets, including early exits of Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev.

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His notable victories included wins over Lorenzo Musetti (16th seed), Gael Monfils, and Lorenzo Sonego. “I feel relieved right now,” said Shelton in his post-match interview. “Shout out to Lorenzo Sonego because that was some ridiculous tennis. I’m just really happy to be through – and to get my first win out here on Rod Laver.”

Shelton and Keys displayed composure throughout the tournament, eliminating several favourites. Keys defeated notable opponents such as former finalists Danielle Collins and Elena Rybakina, as well as Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina. Both players already had prior appearances in the later stages of Grand Slams.

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The last time Americans reached the semifinals in both draws was in 2009. Roddick had a remarkable campaign, defeating defending champion Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals before falling to Roger Federer in straight sets in the semifinals. Serena Williams fared better, securing her fourth Australian Open title with a dominant win over Dinara Safina in the final (6-0, 6-3).

This time, Keys will face World No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, who is aiming for her first Australian Open title and a return to World No. 1, currently held by Aryna Sabalenka. Shelton, meanwhile, will take on defending champion and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, against whom he has a 1-4 head-to-head record so far.

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