Preview Women’s Final 2025 Australian Open: Can Madison Keys break Aryna Sabalenka’s Melbourne domination?

The Australian Open women's final will feature the two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, aiming for her fourth Grand Slam title, against Madison Keys, a surprise finalist after defeating Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek. The American seeks redemption from her failed 2017 US Open final, while the World No. 1 looks to equal Martina Hingis’ record of three consecutive Australian Open titles (1997-1999).

The two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has been nearly unstoppable in recent months and was expected to dominate the tournament. The Belarusian hasn’t disappointed, reaching her third Australian Open final, this time against the American Madison Keys.

Sabalenka’s streak faces Keys’ challenge 

Sabalenka boasts a 20-match winning streak in Melbourne – the longest this century – and an 11-0 record in 2025. Her latest victory came convincingly against her close friend Paula Badosa. Despite a slow start (0-2, 0-40), she dominated the Spaniard to win 6-4, 6-2 and secure her fifth Grand Slam final appearance.

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Her journey to the final included wins over formidable opponents such as Clara Tauson, Mirra Andreeva, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The latter was the only player to take a set from Sabalenka during the tournament, even holding two breaks in the final set. However, Sabalenka’s composure prevailed to seal the victory.

Few would have predicted Madison Keys' incredible form at the start of the season. She is currently enjoying her best-ever winning streak at 11-0, which included a title at the Adelaide International. Keys has secured four wins against top-10 players this year, including tough battles in Melbourne.

She stunned Elena Rybakina (No. 7) in the fourth round, delivering her first major surprise against a player who had reached the Rod Laver Arena final in 2023. In the semifinals, Keys impressed further, defeating second seed Iga Swiatek, who had been dominating her opponents with ease up to that point.

This will be Keys' second Grand Slam final, eight years after her first. She now holds the record for the longest gap between first and second Grand Slam finals among active players. Back in 2017, she was outclassed in the US Open final by an inspired Sloane Stephens, who claimed her maiden major title with a 6-3, 6-0 victory.

In their five previous meetings, Sabalenka leads the head-to-head 4-1, including wins in the 2023 US Open semifinals and the Wimbledon 2023 quarterfinals. However, Keys is ready for another upset; she faced a similar 1-4 head-to-head record against Swiatek before their semifinal clash.

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Keys is one of the few players whose powerful forehand can rival Sabalenka's. However, the World No. 1 has added variety to her game with effective drop shots and slices, which could be crucial in this matchup. Keys will need excellent court coverage and focus to capitalise on the few chances Sabalenka allows.

The Belarusian enters as the heavy favourite, but the American has proven she has the tools to surprise any opponent. Sabalenka is on the brink of securing her fourth Grand Slam title and third consecutive Aussie Open victory. She could match Martina Hingis with her three titles between 1997-1999 in Melbourne.

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