Madison Keys wins first Grand Slam title at Australian Open

Madison Keys won her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set match, marking a significant milestone in her career. At 29, Keys became the oldest first-time women's singles champion in Australian Open history, overcoming the pressure and expectations that have followed her since childhood. She attributed her success to a mental breakthrough achieved through therapy, which helped her to let go of the burdens she previously felt about winning and allowed her to play more freely. Throughout the match, Keys maintained a mantra of bravery, focusing on being aggressive and minimizing regrets. Her victory is particularly notable as it came in her 46th Grand Slam appearance, the third-most for a maiden major trophy in the professional era. Keys' triumph reflects her resilience and growth, as she transformed her approach to the sport both mentally and physically.