Keys after winning the Australian Open: "I'd been chasing trophies like this for so long"
Madison Keys has just experienced the greatest moment of her career.
The 29-year-old American defied the odds to defeat Aryna Sabalenka, world number 1 and two-time Australian Open title-holder, in a thrilling final (6-3, 2-6, 7-5).
A few minutes after winning the first Grand Slam title of her career, Keys didn't escape the on-court speeches during the trophy presentation ceremony. It was an opportunity for her to show her emotion in front of her team.
"First of all, I'd like to congratulate Aryna, who played some incredible tennis. I've finally got the better of you!
You're always extremely difficult to play against. Well done to you and your team for another Grand Slam final.
Thank you to everyone who has come to cheer me on this fortnight. I feel at home here. I played my first Grand Slam semi-final in Melbourne ten years ago.
Being back and winning my first Major here means a lot to me. I also have a word for my team, and this is where I'm going to start crying.
I've been chasing trophies like this for so long. I'd played in a final at the US Open, it hadn't smiled on me and I didn't know if I'd get another opportunity to win a title like this.
My team believed in me every step of the way. They believed in me when I no longer believed in my chances.
Last year was very difficult, I had a few injuries and I didn't know if I was going to come back. Thank you so much to each and every one of you.
You've pushed me to make this dream come true. I can't wait to come back next year.
Australian Open 
