Madison Keys weeps as she equals Serena Williams record that stood for 20 years

Madison Keys has achieved a career milestone by winning her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

The 29-year-old defeated the defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in a thrilling final.  

After a straightforward first-set win, Keys faltered in the second, losing 6-2 to a resurgent Sabalenka.

However, she rallied in the deciding set, ultimately winning 7-5 with a powerful forehand.

Keys, who was visibly emotional after reaching the final, broke down in tears after securing the decisive break against Sabalenka.

The win marked a long-awaited breakthrough for Keys, who needed 46 Grand Slam appearances to claim her first major, the third-most in history behind Flavia Pennetta (49) and Marion Bartoli (47).

Keys made history, becoming the first woman since Serena Williams in 2005 to defeat World No. 1 and World No. 2 en route to the Australian Open title.

Furthermore, she is the first woman since Svetlana Kuznetsova in 2009 (French Open) to achieve this feat at any Grand Slam.

Sabalenka was visibly distraught after the loss, having been on the cusp of becoming the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-1999) to win three consecutive Australian Open titles.

She smashed her racket in frustration after the match. Despite her disappointment, Sabalenka offered gracious praise to Keys in her runner-up speech, acknowledging her opponent's exceptional tournament.