After a dramatic turnaround, Madison Keys overcomes a first-set loss to triumph over Ons Jabeur, setting up a semi-final clash with Iga Swiatek

Madison Keys staged an impressive comeback to secure her spot in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open, defeating Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in a match that showcased resilience and determination. Jabeur, the tournament’s eighth seed, started strongly, delivering a flawless first-set performance that saw her take a 6-0 lead. However, Keys, the 18th seed from the USA, reversed her fortunes in the subsequent sets to claim a 0-6, 7-5, 6-1 victory.

The match began with Jabeur dominating, quickly capturing the first set in just 24 minutes. Her momentum continued early into the second set, but Keys found her rhythm, breaking Jabeur’s serve to level the set at 2-2. This shift marked a turning point in the match, as Keys began to take control, eventually breaking at 6-5 to force a deciding set.

In the final set, Keys’ confidence soared as she raced to a 5-0 lead. She maintained her composure and closed out the match, serving out the win after one hour and 35 minutes. This victory marked Keys’ second consecutive win against a top-10 opponent, having previously defeated world number three Coco Gauff.

Keys now looks ahead to a challenging match against world number one Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals. Swiatek, who also faced a tough quarter-final, came from behind to defeat Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting encounter in the Madrid Open’s next round.

This tournament has been a testament to Keys’ tenacity and skill, overcoming initial setbacks to emerge as a formidable contender. Her upcoming match against Swiatek will be a crucial test of her abilities and a chance to advance to the finals of one of the most prestigious tournaments in the tennis calendar.