Keys into Australian Open semi-finals

Darren Walton |

Madison Keys is the first woman through to the Australian Open semi-finals after continuing her spectacular summer renaissance at Melbourne Park.

The former US Open runner-up upset Czech fourth seed Barbora Krejcikova 6-3 6-2 on Tuesday to continue her giant-killing run on Rod Laver Arena.

Keys had snapped Paula Badosa’s unbeaten start to the year in the fourth round and will next face either Australia’s top-seeded title favourite Ash Barty or US compatriot Jessica Pegula on Thursday for a place in the final.

Keys, a one-time world No.7, slumped to 81st in the rankings following a forgettable 2021 season dogged by injury and self-doubt.

But the 26-year-old is now riding a 10-match winning streak after launching her revival with a drought-breaking sixth career title at this month’s Adelaide International 2.

Now she stands within two wins of an elusive grand slam crown many tipped the precocious talent would win years ago.

Keys first made the Open semi-finals aged just 20 back in 2015, before losing to great friend and fellow American Sloane Stephens in the US Open title match two years later.

AAP