Madison Keys has finally achieved her dream of becoming a Grand Slam champion by defeating the reigning two-time Australian Open champion, Aryna Sabalenka, in an intense three-set match that ended 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 on Saturday.

At 29 years old, Keys had not been in a Grand Slam final for eight years, having lost to Sloane Stephens at the 2017 U.S. Open.

Following her victory, Keys expressed gratitude to several people, especially her husband and coach, former American tennis player Bjorn Fratengelo, whom she wed in November.

Keys is set to reach a career-high ranking of No. 7 when the new ATP rankings are released on Monday. She reflected on how, in her younger years, not winning a Grand Slam would have felt like an immense pressure on her shoulders.

“I have desired this for so long, and although I’ve reached a Grand Slam final before, it didn’t end in my favor,” Keys stated. “I was uncertain if I would get another chance to win a trophy, but my team was there for me every step of the way, so thank you all.”

In her 46th appearance at a Grand Slam (the third-most before winning a women’s major title), Keys triumphed over the tournament’s top two seeded players. After her victory, she embraced her husband while Sabalenka expressed frustration by throwing her racket.

“They stood by me when I struggled to believe in myself and supported me throughout this journey. Last year was incredibly challenging due to some serious injuries, and I wasn’t sure I could come back. To be here with this trophy, alongside my husband—who seems a bit stunned and confused—I love you guys so much, and I’m excited for what’s to come,” Keys shared.