THE PROM QUEEN AND KING OF THE 2025 AUSTRALIAN OPEN: MADISON KEYS AND JANNIK SINNER
Written by Neo Molefi on January 29, 2025
Written by: Nolwazi Zondi
Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys took the crown at the Australian Open in Melbourne this past weekend. The underdog, Keys conquered the two time champion, Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 6-3; 6-2 and 7-5 on Saturday. Keys rejoiced with tears as she unlocked her first Grand Slam.
It has been a long 15 year journey for the 29-year old – from being a teenage sensation at the age of 14, winning the WTA Tour, to being a Grand Slam champion. The American, now world no.7 from 19, is the first player to defeat world no. 1 and 2 in a grand slam since 2009.
“I’m super proud of myself. The way I won this tournament means much more. It didn’t happen overnight; many conversations had to take place, tears included. I had a lot of weight on my shoulders, I don’t know how I was able to play like that,” said Keys.
“I wanted to win a Grand Slam. I want to win every tournament I play, as long as I keep winning things are fine,’ Keys concluded.
She did just that to claim her Melbourne crown – win! Opponent Sabalenka wrecked her racquet and buried herself in a towel after the defeat. The defending champion’s 20-match winning streak came to an end, leaving her devastated.
“I think when you get to the point of finals, it’s a trophy or nothing. I hope that next year I’ll come back a better player and hold Daphne (the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup),’ said the defeated champion.” Despite the disappointment of the loss, the world no. 1 is proud of what she has achieved thus far.
On the men’s side, champion Sinner does it again, clinically acing Alexander Zverev 6-3; 7-6 and 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. The back-to-back champion cemented his status as the world’s most dominant player, as he secured his 19th career title and maintained a winning streak of 21.
The world no.1 defended his crown in the midst of an ongoing doping case after testing positive twice last year, and a hearing scheduled for April 2025. This is what Sinner had to say;
“We worked a lot to be again in this position. It’s an amazing feeling to share this moment with all of you. For me until now, and hopefully it keeps going like this, it’s the most special Grand Slam,” said Sinner.
Opponent Zverev remains one of the worlds greatest players to never have won a Grand Slam and he stated in devastation, “I really did think I had a chance but here I am. I don’tknow if I’ll ever be able to lift the trophy but I’ll keep trying.”
Sinner, showing great sportsmanship, comforted him in his distress. The world no. 2 still managed to congratulate the reigning champion despite his heartbreak stating, “You’re the best player in the world by far. I was hoping that I could be more competitive today but you were just too good. It’s as simple as that.’
All hail to thee Keys and Sinner for their supremacy in Melbourne!