Madison Keys fought back from a set down last night to shock Iga Swiatek in a nail-biter and set up an Australian Open final against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The 19th-seeded American battled through a thrilling semi-final on a final-set tiebreak against the world No 2, winning 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10/8), after Sabalenka had swept aside Spain's Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2. Five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek had not dropped a serve since the first round but was broken eight times by Keys, who saved a match point on her way to edging a see-sawing, marathon battle in two hours, 35 minutes. It will be the second Grand Slam final for 29-year-old Keys, who was runner-up at the 2017 US Open. Earlier, Sabalenka put her close friendship with Badosa aside to stay on track for a 26-year first. The top-ranked Belarusian has now won 20 straight matches at the Australian Open to close on a third consecutive crown - something that hasn't happened this century. AGENCIES
Madison Keys beats Iga Swiatek on a final-set tiebreak to reach the Australian Open final. Standing in the way of a first Grand Slam title is Aryna Sabalenka, left. AFP
