Jessica Pegula called it—and Madison Keys delivered. The world No. 3 accurately predicted that her compatriot, Madison Keys, could win the Australian Open if she brought her Adelaide-level game to Melbourne. Keys did just that, stunning defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in the final to claim her first Grand Slam title at age 29.
Pegula’s foresight: “I told everyone”
Pegula, who fell to Keys in the Adelaide International final earlier this year, joked after the Australian Open final that she had seen this coming. Reflecting on Keys’ dominant third set in Adelaide, where Keys won 6-3, 4-6, 6-1, Pegula remarked:
“If Madison plays half as good as she did against me in the third set of the Adelaide final, she will win the title.”
After Keys’ victory, Pegula couldn’t resist pointing out her spot-on prediction, humorously tweeting:
“This is true. I kinda told everyone tbh [to be honest & laughing emoji].”
Keys’ incredible run
Keys’ Australian Open victory wasn’t a matter of luck—it was a testament to her resilience and aggressive gameplay. En route to the title, the 19th-seeded American took down some of the biggest names in the sport, including:
- Iga Swiatek (world No. 2, quarterfinals)
- Elena Rybakina (reigning Wimbledon champion, round of 16)
- Aryna Sabalenka (world No. 1, final)
She also defeated former stars like Elina Svitolina and Danielle Collins, showcasing her ability to handle diverse challenges with precision and power.
Keys’ aggressive baseline game clicked perfectly throughout the tournament, earning her 12 consecutive wins, including her Adelaide triumph. Notably, this marked the first time in her career that she secured back-to-back titles.
A Grand Slam dream come true
After years of near misses—including her first Grand Slam semifinal in Melbourne in 2015 and a runner-up finish at the 2017 US Open—Keys finally achieved her dream. Overwhelmed with emotion, she reflected on her journey during the trophy ceremony:
“I’ve wanted this for so long. I made my very first Grand Slam semifinal here in Melbourne, so to now have won my first Grand Slam in the same place means the absolute world to me.”
She added, “It’s a dream come true, and I cannot wait for more.”
The power of belief
Keys’ triumph is a testament to perseverance, skill, and belief—not just her own, but that of her peers like Pegula, who recognized her potential. By conquering a stacked draw and lifting the trophy, Keys has established herself as a true force in women’s tennis.
While this may be her first Grand Slam title, Keys’ words and form suggest she’s far from done. The Australian Open win could very well be the start of a new chapter in her career—one where she’s firmly in the conversation as a top contender.