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Tearful Madison Keys says 'I've wanted this for so long' after triumph over Aryna Sabalenka in final at Australian Open

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An emotional Madison Keys had to hold back tears as she thanked her team "who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself", as the reality of winning her first Grand Slam title sunk in. The American overcame world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a high-quality three-set Australian Open final, taking just over two hours to seal victory on her second match point.

'I have wanted this for so long' - Keys overjoyed by Australian Open glory

Video credit: TNT Sports

An emotional Madison Keys paid tribute to her team "who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself," as she lifted the Australian Open trophy - her first Grand Slam title.

The American 19th seed beat two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set thriller on Saturday at Melbourne Park, winning 6-3 2-6 7-5 in two hours and two minutes.

The 29-year-old screamed and covered her face with her hands as she sealed victory with a stunning forehand, before hugging her family and husband - who is also her coach - in her player's box.

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A long-awaited first major title for the world No. 14 - making her 46th appearance at a major - also avenged a difficult loss to Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open semi-finals, and snapped the Belarusian's 20-match winning streak at the year's first major.

As she lifted the trophy, Keys said: "Bear with me, I'm absolutely going to cry. There's no way I get through this without tears.

"Aryna, unbelievable playing. I'm glad I finally got you back. But unbelievable tennis, we always have the craziest matches, so congratulations to you and your team for another amazing Grand Slam run.

Keys stuns Sabalenka to claim maiden Grand Slam title - Australian Open highlights

Video credit: TNT Sports

"Thank you to everyone who came out and cheered, I always feel so at home. I made my very first Grand Slam semi-final here in Melbourne, so to now have won my first Grand Slam in the same place means the absolute world to me.

"I'm so grateful for all of you who come out and cheer."

She thanked the tournament staff, ball kids, and "the physios that hold us together with tape," adding: "We couldn't do this without any of you."

This was Keys' second Grand Slam final, but a world away from her first - a lopsided straight-sets defeat by close friend Sloane Stephens at the 2017 US Open.

She also reached the final in grand style, defeating five seeds - including world No. 7 Elena Rybakina, world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, and World No. 1 Sabalenka - coming back from match point down against Swiatek to lift the trophy.

Keys then turned to her team, saying: "This is where I'm going to cry.

"I've wanted this for so long, I've been in one other Grand Slam final and it didn’t go my way. I didn't know if I'd be able to get back to this position, to try to win a trophy again, and my team believed in me every step of the way.

"They believed in me when I didn't believe in myself.

"Last year was so tough with some really bad injuries and I didn't know if I was going to be able to do it again.

"To be here and have this trophy, and my husband who is kind of dazed and confused over there… I love you all so much and I cannot wait for more.

"I'm so appreciative to every single person who helped me to continue to believe in myself, push on to achieve this dream."

'She stepped up and dominated' - Robson and Courier react to Keys triumph in final

Video credit: TNT Sports

'THAT'S YOUR FAULT GUYS' - SABALENKA SEES FUNNY SIDE

Sabalenka was in tears after the match point, smashing her racquet and hiding under a towel, before heading down the tunnel to regroup.

The Belarusian was bidding to become the first woman since Martina Hingis in 1997-99 to win three consecutive titles at Melbourne Park, and the enormity of the situation and the loss clearly hit her hard.

By the time of the trophy presentation, she had rediscovered her usual good humour, first addressing the trophy, saying: "I hope I'll see you next year.

"Madison, wow, what a tournament," she continued. "You've been fighting really hard to get this trophy, you played unbelievable tennis, you crushed this tonight. Congrats you and your team, really well deserved. Enjoy the celebrations, enjoy the really fun part!

"I just want to say thank you to everyone who made this tournament happen. I really feel like home every time I'm here, and even though I didn't get it this year, I'll come back stronger and I'll do my best next year.

"Thank you guys for an amazing atmosphere throughout the two weeks. I really enjoy playing in front of you. You guys are amazing, thank you so much."

'I'll come back stronger' - Sabalenka reacts to surprise defeat to Keys in final

Video credit: TNT Sports

Next, she jokingly addressed her team, with fitness coach Jason Stacy sporting - as has become tradition - a stick-on tiger tattoo on his bald head.

"Should I say anything to my team? As always, that's your fault guys!" she said, while her team mimed sending love hearts her way.

"I don't want to see you for the next week, I really hate you. Thank you so much for everything you do for me, blah, blah, blah!

"I think we did our best, just Madison was playing incredibly. I really couldn't do anything in this match.

"Next time I play against Madison I will bring better tennis. Sending love to my team - anyway, I love you, even though we lost."

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