Madison Keys has captured the tennis world’s attention with her remarkable journey at the 2025 Australian Open, culminating in a thrilling semifinal victory against Iga Swiatek. The 19th-seeded American stunned fans and analysts alike with her resilience and determination, defeating the Polish superstar 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8). As she prepares for the final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, Keys has credited a major mindset overhaul as the driving force behind her fairytale run.

The Shift That Changed Everything

Madison Keys, now 29, opened up about the pivotal changes she made during the off-season that reshaped her approach to the game. For years, the former World No. 7 felt trapped in a rigid mindset, convinced that repeating the same formula would eventually bring success. Reflecting on her previous struggles, Keys shared, “For a really long time, I felt like I was so close doing it a certain way. I kind of just kept falling short. But in my head, it was, ‘If I just keep doing it that way, maybe it will happen.’”

This self-imposed pressure led to repeated disappointments, but Keys knew something had to change. Instead of clinging to old habits, she embraced a fresh perspective, focusing on openness and adaptability. “The big focus for me was really just kind of buying into, ‘I’ll try anything, I’ll do anything, I’ll be open,’” she revealed.

A Fairytale Run with Lessons Learned

This newfound flexibility has translated into a more composed, confident version of Madison Keys on the court. In high-stakes moments, she has learned to embrace discomfort rather than shy away from it. Keys credited this shift as her most significant breakthrough.

“But the big thing for me has been knowing that there are going to be a lot of moments where I’m uncomfortable,” she explained. “It’s going to be stressful, but instead of trying to shy away from that, just being okay with that situation and knowing you can still play tennis through it has been my biggest lesson.”

Her ability to navigate pressure was on full display in her epic semifinal against Swiatek, where she battled through a tense final-set tiebreak to book her spot in the final.

Redemption Awaits: Keys Eyes Her First Grand Slam Title

Madison Keys’ journey to the Australian Open final marks her second Grand Slam final appearance. Fans may remember her 2017 US Open heartbreak, where she lost to compatriot Sloane Stephens in straight sets. Reflecting on that experience, Keys admitted that nerves got the better of her, saying, “I think during that match [against Stephens], I was so consumed with being nervous and just the moment and the opportunity that I never really gave myself a chance to actually even play.”

Now, with eight years of growth and maturity behind her, Keys is determined to write a different story. Her opponent, Aryna Sabalenka, is no stranger to the big stage, and their head-to-head record heavily favors the World No. 1. Sabalenka has won four of their five previous encounters, but Keys remains undeterred, drawing inspiration from the Belarusian’s aggressive style of play.

“I really want to try to be better at not playing more passive in big points and really, honestly, just trying to emulate the way that she trusts her game and she goes after it,” Keys said during her post-match press conference.

A Battle of Titans

The upcoming final promises to be a clash of power and mental fortitude. While Sabalenka enters as the favorite, Keys has proven she can thrive as the underdog. With her revamped mindset and fearless approach, Keys has the tools to challenge the defending champion and claim her long-awaited first Grand Slam title.

The stage is set for January 25, where Madison Keys will attempt to complete her fairytale run and etch her name into the history books. Fans around the globe are eagerly anticipating this showdown, wondering if Keys can finally turn her dreams into reality.