Madison Keys mounted a spirited comeback to secure a 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10/8) win over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek on Thusday and will challenge defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open women's singles final.
The 16th-seeded American, who reached her first Australian Open final and second Grand Slam final overall, was overcome with emotion, shedding tears after clinching the victory in over 2-1/2 hours.
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Swiatek acknowledged that Keys's courageous performance earned her a spot in the Australian Open final.
"I guess at the end Madison was kind of brave with her decisions and she pushed me when she needed to," said the 23-year-old. "I would say I wasn't feeling as free as on previous matches to also push in the important moments."
Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek reflected that the outcome was determined by the finest of margins.
"I think I played good, but she played better," said Swiatek, who had a match point to punch her ticket to the final. "I think if I keep working hard, I'll have more chances in the future, and maybe I'll use them as I didn't use my match point today.
"Madison also really did the work as she should. She totally deserves to be in the final."
