WATCH: Iga Swiatek cuts dejected figure in lonely walk at Australian Open after heartbreaking loss to Madison Keys in SF

Iga Swiatek's hopes of winning her maiden Australian Open title were shattered by Madison Keys in the semifinals of the Major. The Pole's devastation over her narrow loss was apparent after she left the Rod Laver Arena to begin her lonely walk to the players' area.

Swiatek entered the blockbuster semifinal clash with a 4-1 lead over the American in their head-to-head record. The Pole made a promising start to the highly anticipated contest, clinching the opening set 7-5. However, Keys raised her level to dominate the second set and force a decider.

The duo engaged in a closely contested battle in the third set until Swiatek secured a crucial break and had the opportunity to serve for the match. However, the World No. 2 squandered a match point, which allowed Keys back into the contest with the super tiebreak. The American eventually claimed a 5-7, 6-1, 7-6[8] victory after a riveting two-hour and 35-minute battle.

Following her loss, Swiatek was captured walking alone along the Australian Open Walk of Champions with a dejected expression on her face, while Keys expressed joy over reaching the final in her on-court interview.

Madison Keys graciously credited Iga Swiatek for her stellar performance in the thrilling semifinal showdown, reflecting on their intense battle after her win. The American also took pride in her own fighting spirit and expressed excitement about reaching the final of the Major.

"That match was just, it was such high level and she played so well and I felt like I was just fighting to stay in it. And then obviously, really kind of ran with the second and then the third was just a battle. To be able to be standing here and be in the final is absolutely amazing and I'm so excited that I get to be here on Saturday," Keys said in her on-court interview.

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Madison Keys to take on Aryna Sabalenka in Australian Open final after win over Iga Swiatek

Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek - Source: Getty

Following her thrilling win over Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys will face a formidable challenge against top seed and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the 2025 Australian Open final. The World No. 1 claimed a dominant 6-4, 6-2 victory against Paula Badosa to book her spot in the title clash.

Sabalenka enjoys a 4-1 lead in her head-to-head record against the American, including a commanding 6-4, 6-3 victory in their most recent encounter at the 2024 China Open. The Belarusian has also triumphed in both their previous meetings at Majors, emerging victorious at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships and US Open.

Following her loss to Sloane Stephens in the 2017 US Open final, Keys will be determined to clinch her maiden Grand Slam title at the second time of asking. Sabalenka, meanwhile, will be on the hunt for her fourth Major title.