Madison Keys makes position clear on Iga Swiatek's toilet break after controversial umpire confrontation in Australian Open SF

Madison Keys scripted an incredible win over Iga Swiatek on Thursday to book her spot in the Australian Open final. She overcame a slow start to eventually prevail 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8).

The two players took their time to find their rhythm on the serve with Swiatek holding for the first time in the fourth game. She eventually took the set 7-5 despite a fightback from her opponent.

It was then that Keys turned up the heat on her serve as well as the groundstrokes, pushing her opponent onto the backfoot. After breaking in the opening game, she raced away with the set 6-1.

A bathroom break followed the second set. While Keys was quick to return to court, Swiatek took slightly longer and the American could be seen chatting with the umpire about the delay.

Fans were quick to take note of the development, stirring up a conversation on social media. Keys, however, came out with a clarification during her post-match press conference.

The American said she was only asking the chair umpire about the amount of time that her opponent had left in the break, affirming that she had no issues with the bathroom break rules.

"I was just asking how much time [Iga Swiatek] had left because it wasn't up on the board," Madison Keys said. "So I was just asking him how much longer it was, her break."

"So, I mean, I think the rules are fine. it's just that the clock, ran out on my change, but not hers, so I was just asking," she added.

Notably, bathroom breaks have been a contentious issue in tennis, with fans and observers noting players' use of prolonged breaks in an attempt to disrupt their opponents' momentum on numerous occasions.

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Madison Keys sets up Aryna Sabalenka showdown after beating Iga Swiatek in Australian Open SF

Madison Keys after beating Iga Swiatek in thr 2025 Australian Open semifinal. (Source: Getty)

With her win over Iga Swiatek in the Australian Open semifinal, Madison Keys is through to her second Grand Slam final. Her first appearance came at the US Open way back in 2017, with her losing to compatriot Sloane Stephens.

This fortnight, Keys has been in splendid form, scoring wins over the likes of Swiatek, Elina Svitolina, Elena Rybakina, Danielle Collins, Elena Gabriela Ruse, and Ann Li en-route to the summit clash.

The American, in fact, is on an 11-match winning streak, having also captured the title in Adelaide a couple of weeks ago. She will take on Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final on Saturday.