World number 1 and defending champion of the Australian Open, Russia’s Aryna Sabalenka failed to defend her crown at the 2025 tournament as she lost in the final to World number 14, American Madison Keys. In an exciting final that lasted about two hours at Rod Laver Arena, the 29-year-old American, seeded 19th, won 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.
The American had previously defeated world number 2, Polish Iga Swiatek; Ukraine’s Elena Svitolina; Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina; fellow American Danielle Collins; Romania’s Elena Gabriela Ruse and another American Ann Li on route to reaching the final, before defeating her Russian opponent.
In the post-match trophy presentation, the American thanked her Russian opponent and her team for a great game, and a good run throughout the tournament.
She was glad to finally win one over her after several attempts, winning just one in five previous meetings. She also thanked the organisers, sponsors, the medical team, and the fans for their support.
Madison Keys joins the list of Americans to have won the Australian Open, the last of which was Sofia Kenin in 2020.
