It has all come down to the last step for the women’s draw at the Australian Open. Two of the top names, Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys will battle it out for the prestigious title later today, having wiped out the rest of the competition. The Belarusian beauty, having made her third consecutive final in Australia will be looking to clinch her 3rd straight title – something that hasn’t been done in decades. On the other hand, the American, Madison Keys, enters the finals after a 7-year-long wait. Needless to say, she will look to break through the final frontier and lift her first singles Slam trophy. The question remains: who will reign supreme?

Madison Keys vs Aryna Sabalenka: Preview

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka showcased her dominance throughout the fortnight, defeating several tough opponents on her way to the final. She overcame Sloane Stephens, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Clara Tauson, Mirra Andreeva, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, and Paula Badosa. In the semifinal against Badosa, Aryna secured a convincing straight-sets win (6-4, 6-2), with her aggressive play earning 24 winners. Her serving was solid, landing 77% of her first-serve points and committing just one double fault. She broke Badosa’s serve four times and conceded her serve only once. The energy was impeccable, with no signs of the jitters that had clouded her previous match against Pavlyuchenkova.

On the other hand, her opponent, ranked No. 14, Madison Keys battled her way past an arguably stronger roster. On her way,she fended off Ann Li, Elena Gabriela Ruse, Danielle Rose Collins, Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina, and 5x Grand Slam champion, Iga Swiatek. Her semifinal match against Swiatek was a thrilling comeback victory (5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8)), where Keys blasted 47 winners and broke Swiatek’s serve a whopping eight times. But Keys’ serving was less consistent than Sabalenka’s, winning 64% of her first-serve points and saving 10 break points despite losing serve six times.

Keys vs Sabalenka: Head-to-head

When it comes to the head-to-head between the two stats, Aryna Sabalenka has a solid lead over her opponent. Out of the 5 matches they have played, Sabalenka has a 4-1 lead (3-0) on the hard courts. Their first battle came back at the Cincinnati Open in 2018 where Sabalenka managed to defeat Keys in straight sets 6-3, 6-4. On the other hand, their most recent encounter came at the Beijing Open where the Belarusian yet again maintained her composure and came out on top with a commanding 6-4, 6-3 win.

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Madison Keys: Strengths, Challenges, and Key Factors

Aryna Sabalenka’s aggressive style of play and immense power from the baseline have been key to her dominance. Her serve allows her to dictate rallies and finish points decisively, even under pressure. With three Grand Slam titles under her belt, she has the experience and mental toughness to handle the pressure of playing in big finals. Currently on a 20-match winning streak in Melbourne and having won her last four finals, including the US Open, Sabalenka enters this match with significant momentum.

However, Sabalenka’s powerful serve can sometimes falter too. She has faced 34 breakpoints in this tournament alone and has been broken 16 times, which is a higher number than ideal at this stage. Additionally, the pressure of completing a historic three-peat at the Australian Open may weigh heavily on her, especially against a dangerous opponent like Keys.

On the other hand, Madison Keys has displayed nerves of steel in high-pressure situations. Her ability to stay calm and fight through adversity has been evident in her recent matches, including the thrilling semifinal comeback against Iga Swiatek. Like Sabalenka, Keys has an aggressive game built around her powerful serve and groundstrokes, enabling her to dictate play. Her fighting spirit and resilience make her a tough competitor, especially as she comes in as the underdog.

Fatigue could be a significant factor in Keys’ chances. She has played several long, three-set matches in this tournament, including seven during her 11-match win streak. In contrast, Sabalenka has had a relatively easier path. Moreover, Keys has limited experience in Grand Slam finals. Her only previous final, at the 2017 US Open, ended in a one-sided defeat, which could add to the nerves of facing a champion like Sabalenka.

Serve consistency will be critical for both players. Sabalenka must minimize errors on her serve, while Keys needs to capitalize on breakpoint opportunities. Mental toughness will also play a big role; Sabalenka’s confidence from recent Grand Slam victories and Keys’ resilience in tight matches could determine the outcome.

Prediction: This match promises to be an intense and power-packed battle. While Keys has the ability to challenge top players and upset expectations, Sabalenka’s superior consistency, experience in Grand Slam finals, and current form make her the favorite. If Sabalenka plays at her best, her momentum and fresher legs could prove too much for Keys to overcome.

What are your thoughts? Could the third time be the charm? Or will Sabalenka crumble under the three-peat pressure! Join in the conversation as we bring you updates of the Slam down under!