Australian Open champ Madison Keys receives surprise congratulations message from $170M-worth rapper

Madison Keys’ remarkable Australian Open victory earned praise from renowned American rapper Lil Wayne. Keys delivered a stunning performance, defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to claim her maiden Grand Slam title.

Sabalenka's quest for a third consecutive Australian Open title was dashed on Saturday, January 25. Keys made a strong start, taking the first set 6-3. However, the Belarusian mounted an impressive comeback, dominating the second set 6-2. Notably, Keys' first-serve percentage dropped significantly from 86% in the opening set to 59% in the second.

The third set turned into an intense battle of grit and determination from both players, but Keys sealed the victory with a decisive forehand, clinching it 7-5.

Following the 29-year-old's maiden Grand Slam triumph, $170 million-worth ( per Celebrity Net Worth) rapper Lil Wayne took to X to share his excitement, thanking both players for delivering a thrilling contest.

"Congratulations Maddi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You earned and deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unforgettable match! Thx to both players for their display of skill,resilience and grit. Simply amazing! Wonderful Aussie Open! F**k yeah Maddi!!!!!!!!!!!" He wrote.

This marked the American's first Grand Slam final since the 2017 US Open, where she fell to compatriot Sloane Stephens. Keys also snapped Sabalenka's remarkable 20-match winning streak at Melbourne Park and her 11-match unbeaten run in the 2025 season.

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"We always have the craziest matches so congratulations": Madison Keys after defeating Aryna Sabalenka at 2025 Australian Open Final

Madison Keys and Aryna Sabalenka at 2025 Australian Open - Image Source: Getty

Madison Keys savored every moment of her breakthrough Major victory in Melbourne. In her post-match on-court interview, the World No. 14 lauded Aryna Sabalenka, describing her as an incredibly "tough" competitor.

"First thing, Aryna, unbelievable playing. I'm glad I finally got you back. But unbelievable tennis, you're always so tough to play," Keys said (at 0:07).

Keys acknowledged their intense battles and praised Sabalenka and her team for another remarkable performance during the Australian Open campaign.

"We always have the craziest matches so congratulations to you and your team for another amazing Grand Slam run," Keys added.

Emotions ran high after the match as Keys celebrated her victory with tearful joy, while Aryna Sabalenka, overwhelmed with frustration, slammed her racket. The 29-year-old later shared a poignant moment with her husband, Bjorn Fratangelo, who has also been her coach since 2023.

Keys made history by defeating the top two ranked players, Iga Swiatek and Sabalenka, in the semifinals and final. She became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2005 to conquer both at Melbourne Park, adding an extra layer to her remarkable triumph.