Madison Keys has booked her place in the women's final at the Australian Open after triumphing over Iga Swiatek 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8) in a thrilling semi-final encounter.
Unpredictable from start to finish, Keys saved a match point late in the third set, before breaking Swiatek's serve and then holding her own to force a first-to-10-point tiebreak.
The see-sawing affair on Rod Laver Arena was personified by the super tiebreak as the rivals traded mini-breaks before the American secured consecutive points after two hours and 35 minutes on court.
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"That match was such high-level and she played so well, and I felt like I was just fighting to stay in it," Keys said post-match.
She added:" I feel like I blacked out at some point.
Madison Keys lets out a scream after defeating Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals at the Australian Open. AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
"To be able to stand in it and just keep fighting and then 10-point tie-breaker for an extra dramatic finish."
Despite being broken three times in the first set, Swiatek steadied when it mattered most to claim the opener.
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The pair traded four breaks of serve in the opening four games before Swiatek was able to lock down the first hold.
Four unforced errors from Keys in the next game then saw Swiatek go up a break.
With Swiatek serving for the set at 5-2, the No.19 seed broke back to keep herself in the set but then needed to serve herself out of trouble.
Keys survived — but then two games later needed to back up again with serve to send the set to a tiebreak but was not able.
Clinching the set 7-5, the scoreline showed the most games conceded in a set for Swiatek this tournament.
Coming back with a vengeance in the second set, Keys again took the opening set off Swiatek before doubling it to shoot to a 4-0 lead.
Extending her run, Keys broke Swiatek again as signs of frustration washed over the Pole's face.
While getting on the board to avoid a 'bagel' with a break in the sixth game, Swiatek could not stop Keys' momentum as she immediately broke back to claim the second set and eqaulise.
During the break between sets, Keys questioned the chair umpire about the time Swiatek was permitted to take for a bathroom break.
Keys was kept waiting at the service line for several minutes before Swiatek returned and was ready to recommence play.
The deciding third set played out on serve, including a crucial hold from Swiatek in the eighth game after trailing 15-40.
Keys then responded with a well-served game while facing relentless pressure.
Swiatek eventually nabbed the break at 6-5 before a double fault saw Keys immediately break back to force a 10-point tiebreak to decide the match.
With the win, Keys sets up a big-hitting finale with the No.1 seed Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday night.
