For a while, an Aryna-Iga title bout looked a fait accompli. After Sabalenka defeated Paula Badosa with relative ease, Swiatek took a 5-2 lead over Keys. The Pole’s streak of 31 consecutive service holds was snapped, but she was still making her opponent press.

Keys admirably rallied and served at 5-6, but the hole she had dig herself was too deep. She was broken for the fourth time in the first set after putting a backhand into the net—her 17th UE of the young match.

But Keys’ rebound in the second set was a sign of things to come. Again she broke Swiatek right away, and she took a 2-0 lead after holding from 0-30.

“Very impressive,” said ESPN’s Mary Jo Fernandez.

Her surge continued after a forehand error from Swiatek, putting the Pole in a double-break deficit. Then, Keys held at love for 4-0—with three aces.

“She’s taking the racquet out of Swiatek’s hands,” said ESPN’s Chris Fowler.

After only 19 minutes, Keys led 5-0. The roof in Rod Laver Arena was closed as Keys closed out the second set in a stunningly brisk fashion.