Revenge is a dish best served cold, and Aryna Sabalenka got her wish on March 14, 2025, during the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The world No. 1 delivered a stunning performance, defeating Madison Keys 6-0, 6-1 and avenging her earlier loss to the American at this year's Australian Open final.
Sabalenka’s swift victory, which lasted just 51 minutes, was not merely about the win; it was a statement. This match marked the culmination of her desire for retribution against Keys, who had claimed her first Grand Slam title by beating Sabalenka back in January. Following the match, Sabalenka expressed her satisfaction, saying, "I needed this revenge badly, so I was really focused, and I think tactically I played really great tennis." Her approach paid off as she stormed through the contest with remarkable power and precision.
From the moment the match began, it was evident who was dominating. Sabalenka wasted no time taking control, quickly breaking Keys and running to a commanding 4-0 lead within just ten minutes of the match. Her relentless force and strategic play highlighted why she holds the top rank globally. The first set was punctuated by Sabalenka's prowess, as she allowed Keys little opportunity to find her rhythm.
Keys, who had come to this match riding a 16-match winning streak, struggled significantly. Her double fault gave Sabalenka another break opportunity, allowing her to clinch the first set 6-0. "I didn’t expect this match to be fast," Sabalenka remarked, acknowledging her surprise at the swift pace of her victory. Despite attempting to regain her footing at the start of the second set, Keys fell behind yet again, underscoring her inability to match Sabalenka's determination on the court.
Even as the crowd tried to rally behind Keys, the American could not find the magic she had earlier this season, and Sabalenka proceeded to win 11 consecutive games during the match before Keys finally held serve. Although she found temporary respite, her struggle became evident when she succumbed to yet another break from Sabalenka, closing the door on her chances to recover.
Sabalenka expressed gratitude for this quickly-arrived opportunity for revenge, saying, "I was hungry. That Australian Open match was really heartbreaking for me, and I really needed some time to recover. If I would lose today again, it would get in my head, and I didn’t want to let it happen." Her focus was palpable, and it clearly translated to her performance on the court.
The win propelled Sabalenka to her second final appearance at Indian Wells, where she will face 17-year-old sensation Mirra Andreeva, who defeated two-time champion Iga Swiatek earlier on the same day. Regarding the upcoming match, Sabalenka humorously likened it to “kind of like old mama playing against the kid,” highlighting the contrasting phases of their careers.
Sabalenka holds the advantage over Andreeva with a 4-1 record from previous encounters. Notably, she has already beaten the teenager twice this year, first at Brisbane and then once again at the Australian Open’s round of 16. This history adds another layer of intrigue to their upcoming match.
Reflecting on her recent performance, Sabalenka's 16-3 record this season and her decisive 20th victory against a top-5 player serve as reminders of her dominance on the tour. The world No. 1 has not dropped a single set throughout her participation at Indian Wells, showcasing her skill and determination.
Keys' loss not only ended her remarkable win streak but also left her unable to claim the title, which has not seen an American woman crowned champion since Serena Williams achieved it back in 2001. Sabalenka’s decisive victory brings to light the ever-evolving narrative of women’s tennis, where new talents continually rise to challenge established stars.
With her eyes set firmly on capturing the title, Sabalenka embodies resilience and drive, qualities indicative of her character both on and off the court. The final against Andreeva promises to be exciting, as both players vie for victory, with Sabalenka determined to secure her place among the season’s champions once again.
“I’m really looking forward to facing this teenager. It’s crazy what she does at such a young age – it’s impressive to see. It’s going to be a great match,” Sabalenka expressed, leaving fans eager for what awaits on Sunday.