It was only the third battle between these longtime friends. Madison Keys is now 2-1 in her career against the tournament’s top seed Jessica Pegula. Their other two matches were straight-set affairs, but the Adelaide International final was decidedly different.
Madison Keys triumphs in the all-American final! 🏆 🇺🇸 #AdelaideTennis pic.twitter.com/a1kvsesMy6
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 11, 2025
To begin with, it went the distance. Three sets were so varied in the quality of play. Keys steamrolled through the latter stages of the first set. She could do no wrong. At 6-3, it looked like this could be another straight-set match because her level was so high. On the other side of the net was a visibly frustrated Pegula who felt the pressure of an impeccable Keys performance.
In the second set, Pegula jumped out to an early lead as Madison Keys called for the trainer at the changeover. Everyone was surprised because there was no evidence of an injury. Keys left the court with the trainer returning with her left hamstring bandaged. She was not as fluid in her movement likely trying to get her bearings. She dropped the second set 4-6.
The third set was reminiscent of the Keys’s level of play at the end of the first set. Her movement, power, and shotmaking were stellar, and Pegula was again frustrated. She knew Keys was almost perfect, so she tried so hard to get into the set but could not. Keys won the set 6-1.
Keys earned her ninth career WTA title. The newlywed has been coached full-time by her now husband Bjorn Fratangelo for the last year, and aside from injury issues that plagued her in 2024, her game has looked great. She will turn 30 next month and is hopefully enjoying a career renaissance. So much power and pace came off of her racquet. Keys is a joy to watch when she is firing on all cylinders.
Pegula’s frustration turned to smiles and happiness for her friend and American compatriot. Both players will quickly rest and prepare for the 2025 Australian Open, with their first matches in a few days.
