Get ready for a tennis thriller! Madison Keys just battled her way through an epic, history-making match at the Brisbane International, defeating Diana Shnaider in a triple-tiebreak showdown. This wasn't just any match; it was a test of endurance and skill, ending with a final score of 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 7-6(5), after a grueling 2 hours and 59 minutes on the court.
This victory is particularly noteworthy because it's the first time Keys has ever played a match with three tiebreaks, and it's only the 12th such instance on the WTA Tour this decade! Shnaider also experienced this unique challenge for the first time. The match was a true test of wills, with both players needing medical timeouts to regroup. Keys, displaying incredible power, finished with 38 winners, including 9 aces, compared to Shnaider's 17.
But here's where it gets controversial... The match's intensity was evident throughout. Shnaider initially took the lead in each set, only for Keys to mount a comeback, forcing tiebreaks in every set. In the decisive third set, Keys showed her net game, winning three consecutive games to take a 3-1 lead. This is the part most people miss: From that point on, it was a battle of resilience, with Shnaider fighting back and saving match points before Keys ultimately secured the victory in the tiebreak.
Keys' triumph sets up a highly anticipated quarterfinal match against Aryna Sabalenka, a rematch of last year's Australian Open final, which Keys won. Sabalenka currently leads their head-to-head record 5-2.
Keys herself summed it up perfectly, saying, "That had a little bit of everything. It's good to start the year off with a little bit of drama -- so glad we got that out of the way."
This victory also marks Keys' third win against Shnaider, with previous wins in 2024 and 2025.
Here's a list of all the triple-tiebreak matches on the WTA Tour this decade:
- 2020 Lyon SF, Sofia Kenin d. Alison Van Uytvanck 7-6(5), 6-7(2), 7-6(2)
- 2021 Birmingham R1, Ajla Tomljanovic d. Elise Mertens 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 7-6(4)
- 2021 Gdynia QF, Kristina Kucova d. Ekaterine Gorgodze6-7(4), 7-6(7), 7-6(3)
- 2021 US Open R1, Rebeka Masarova d. Ana Bogdan 6-7(9), 7-6(2), 7-6(9)
- 2021 Luxembourg R1, Greet Minnen d. Nuria Parrizas Diaz7-6(4), 6-7(1), 7-6(2)
- 2022 Strasbourg F, Angelique Kerber d. Kaja Juvan7-6(5), 6-7(0), 7-6(5)
- 2023 Austin R1, Peyton Stearns d. Katie Boulter7-6(5), 6-7(2), 7-6(5)
- 2023 Miami R1, Camila Giorgi d. Kaia Kanepi 7-6(4), 6-7(4), 7-6(4)
- 2023 Wimbledon R2, Ekaterina Alexandrova d. Madison Brengle 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 7-6[7]
- 2023 Guadalajara R1, Caroline Dolehide d. Peyton Stearns 6-7(1), 7-6(5), 7-6(2)
- 2025 Washington SF, Leylah Fernandez d. Elena Rybakina 6-7(2), 7-6(3), 7-6(3)
- 2026 Brisbane R3, Madison Keys d. Diana Shnaider 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 7-6(5)
What do you think of Keys' performance? Do you think the triple tie-break format adds excitement or detracts from the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
