In the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals, three of the last eight female players were from the U.S. However, after Coco Gauff, ranked No. 3 globally, suffered a straight-set defeat to Spain’s Paula Badosa on Monday night, the hopes for an American title now rested on No. 8 seed Emma Navarro and No. 19 seed Madison Keys.

Keys was the first to compete, going up against No. 28 seed Elina Svitolina, who had reached the Australian Open quarterfinals for the third time in her career—having done so previously in 2018 and 2019. For her part, this was Keys’ fourth quarterfinals appearance in Melbourne, where she had previously made it to the semifinals in 2015 and 2022.

In the match that took place on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning in Australia), Keys initially lost the first set to Svitolina 3-6 but managed a comeback, winning the next two sets 6-3, 6-4.

The 29-year-old Keys had already achieved notable victories against two top-10 players to reach the quarterfinals, defeating American No. 10 seed Danielle Collins in the third round and No. 6 seed Elena Rybakina in the Round of 16.

Svitolina, aged 30 and hailing from Ukraine, also made headlines in the tournament by eliminating No. 4 seed Jasmine Paolini from Italy in the third round after losing the initial set.

Keys vs. Svitolina Highlights

No. 19 Madison Keys defeated No. 28 Elina Svitolina, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

All About Madison Keys

Madison Keys is a 29-year-old tennis professional from Rock Island, Illinois. She commenced her professional career at the young age of 14, even defeating the then-world No. 81, Alla Kudryavtseva. At just 14 years and 48 days old, she became the seventh-youngest player to win a WTA Tour-level match, and the youngest since 1994.

In 2016, Keys achieved her highest career ranking of No. 7 in the world. However, she struggled in Grand Slam tournaments that year, failing to make it past the quarterfinals, which lowered her ranking. The following year, during the US Open, she reached the finals but was defeated by fellow American Sloane Stephens in straight sets (6-3, 6-0). This match remains her furthest advancement in any Grand Slam event.

What’s Next?

The women’s singles semifinals of the Australian Open are set for Thursday, January 23, at Rod Laver Arena, with the final following on Saturday, January 25.

In the semifinals, Keys will take on No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek, who secured her place by defeating Navarro in straight sets after Keys’ victory over Svitolina.