We have just witnessed another nail-biting final. Madison Keys lit up the Rod Laver Arena by clinching the 2025 Australian Open women’s singles against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. In a match that lasted two hours and 2 minutes, the 29-year-old American triumphed 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, sealing her maiden Grand Slam victory. I certainly will not forget her flashyinside-out forehand shot on the championship point. Among the many celebrating her success was none other than rapper Lil Wayne, applauding the new champion.

Keys became the fourth-oldest first-time Grand Slam champion, following the footsteps of legends like Flavia Pennetta, Ann Jones, and Francesca Schiavone. The final was a highly anticipated clash between two in-form players, both riding 11-match winning streaks. Key’s powerful ball striking off both wings and strategic use of slice backhand enabled her to move past Sabalenka in key moments. Lil Wayne, a longtime tennis enthusiast, was glued to the action and didn’t hold back the admiration.

The rapper’s real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. and he was all in praises for their resilience and skill. He tweeted on X, writing, “Congratulations Maddi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You earned and deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unforgettable match! Thx to both players for their display of skill, resilience, and grit. Simply amazing! Wonderful Aussie Open! F**k yeah Maddi!!!!!!!!!!!”

Wayne’s love for tennis is well-documented. Last year as well, he gave a shout-out to Jelena Ostapenko after she attended a Drake concert and complimented Lil Wayne for stealing the show. In a social media exchange, Wayne responded on his Instagram story, captioning “Thanks for da luv @jelenaostapenko 🤙🏾“. With today’s gestures, Lil Wayne has cemented his place as one of the tennis’s passionate celebrity fans.

As the dust settles on the memorable final at the Australian Open, many celebrities and tennis personalities have started to express their feelings over Key’s victory. After all, marking your first Grand Slam win at a late stage of your career is a huge victory.

Compatriot Coco Gauff, Sloane Stephens sends sweet messages to Madison Keys

Fellow American tennis star Coco Gauff wasted no time in congratulating Madison Keys after her historic win. Just minutes after Keys lifted the trophy, Gauff took to Instagram to share a heartfelt story with the caption, “So deserveddddd!! @madisonkeys.” Gauff had bowed out of the tournament earlier, after losing to Spaniard Paula Badosa in the quarterfinals.

Along with Coco Gauff, 2017 US Open Champion Sloane Stephens also took to her social media to congratulate her 29-year-old friend. She wrote on her X, “It was never if, just when. You deserve this and beyond 🏆❤️,” after her win on Saturday. Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens also contested the US Open final seven years ago where Stephens beat Keys to win her maiden Major title.

From stunning the defending champion to earning praise from icons like Lil Wayne and Gaff, Madison Key’s triumph will be celebrated far and wide. As she savors her maiden Grand Slam title, Keys keeps inspiring fans and players alike with her incredible journey.