Mumbai: There were instances during what would become a remarkable Australian Open women’s singles semi-final when Madison Keys might have considered shifting from her aggressive style to a more conservative strategy against the determined Iga Swiatek. While such an approach does not align with her typical game, the psychological aspect often plays a crucial role in these intense situations.

For example, she lost the first set despite having broken Swiatek’s serve three times. Additionally, she faced love-40 on her own serve twice late in the third set and found herself trailing 5-7 in the tense first-to-10 match tiebreaker.

Nevertheless, Keys continued to exhibit her dynamic play. She maintained her aggressive mindset and remained resilient, staying competitive with the Polish player.

Ultimately, when Swiatek’s forehand went long, this dynamic Keys secured her place in the Australian Open final for the first time. After a two-hour and 35-minute match filled with high-quality tennis and drama, which concluded with scores of 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(10-8), Keys sank to her knees, placed her left hand over her cap, and allowed her emotions to flow.

The American had also shed tears following her 2023 US Open semi-final loss to Aryna Sabalenka, reflecting on whether she would ever return to such significant matches. Now, she stands one step closer, set to face Sabalenka again—the two-time defending champion who advanced past Paula Badosa with a score of 6-4, 6-2—this time vying for her first Grand Slam title at the age of 29, eight long years after her last opportunity at the 2017 US Open.

Keys acknowledged the presence of doubts following her victory when questioned about the possibility of a repeat performance in 2023. "I would be dishonest if I claimed there were no uncertainties," she stated. "Experiencing such a close loss was truly devastating. I felt I had given everything I had. However, I continually reminded myself that the only aspect I can control is my effort and commitment."

On Thursday, she was determined to give her all at Rod Laver Arena. The 19th seed had previously discussed the futility of attempting to "out-defend Iga." Nevertheless, maintaining a high-risk approach is often more challenging than it appears, particularly under the intense scrutiny of a major semi-final against a five-time Grand Slam champion who was performing exceptionally well at Melbourne Park. Swiatek had only lost five games since her second round and had not been broken once.

From the very first game, it was clear that Keys would not be an easy opponent. The world No. 14 immediately broke the world No. 2, showcasing her powerful shots that had previously eliminated Danielle Collins and Elena Rybakina.

However, Swiatek currently stands at a higher level than those players, and her smooth movement on the court disrupted Keys's rhythm. This forced the American to search for the lines more aggressively, resulting in increased errors. The players exchanged four breaks of serve early on, followed by a couple more, before Swiatek capitalized on some inconsistent second serves to break Keys again while she was serving to remain in the set.

Facing a set deficit can lead to self-doubt. One must decide whether to falter or to strengthen their resolve. Bjorn Fratangelo, a former American professional and now Keys's husband and coach, has been clear about his perspective on this matter.

"I have emphasized to her that winning and losing are not what truly matters; it is the manner in which you win or lose that counts," Fratangelo conveyed to The New York Times. "Do not lose by being passive, as that does not reflect who you are... If you lose while pushing forward, that is acceptable."

Thus, Keys maintained her aggressive approach and accelerated her performance. She surged to a 5-0 lead in the second set, breaking Swiatek's serve.

A bathroom break from Swiatek calmed things down for solid holds from both players until the eighth game into the decider. Then Keys had two chances for the break and couldn’t take it. Then Swiatek saw a huge love-40 opening and couldn’t take it. She got another one the next game and cashed in this time.

With Swiatek serving for the match, a forehand winner came whizzing by for 30-30. With Swiatek on match point, a backhand error was extracted off a brilliant return. Keys’s foot just wouldn’t come off. And with Swiatek feeling the heat, a double fault demanded a match tiebreaker.

Swiatek stayed composed and ahead for most of it. Leading 7-5, out came a backhand winner from across the net. At 8-7, out came an ace. At 8-8, out came a big first serve. Keys’s foot just wouldn’t come off. On the next point, she got over the line.

That foot will have to remain on the pedal against Sabalenka, who is an even bigger hitter from the baseline. “Her ability to kind of always go for it, no matter what the score is, is really impressive,” the American said. A lot like Keys.

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