Iga Swiatek credited Madison Keys for her bravery in key moments after losing a thrilling see-saw Australian Open semi-final on Thursday.

The Polish second seed lost a breathless last-four encounter in Melbourne 5-7 6-1 7-6 (10-8), missing a match point when serving for the contest in the deciding set.

It means it is Keys, the 16th seed, who will have the chance to deny Aryna Sabalenka a third consecutive women's singles title in Australia, but Swiatek had few complaints after a gruelling encounter.

"It's ­disappointing when it [converting opportunities] doesn't happen, but this is sport, so it's not always going to go my way," she said.

"Madison really did the work as she should. She totally deserves to be in the final."

11 - Madison Keys is the player with the most main draw appearances needed to make their first Women’s Singles final at the Australian Open in the Open Era (11, equalling Caroline Wozniacki). Arrival. #AO2025 | @AustralianOpen @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/vww4lFh983

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) January 23, 2025

Courtesy of her victory, Keys tied Caroline Wozniacki for the most appearances needed in the women's main draw to reach the final with 11.

She also became the woman with the longest gap between appearances in grand slam finals at eight years, beating the seven previously held by Amelie Mauresmo.

Swiatek added of her victorious opponent: "I guess at the end Madison was kind of brave with her decisions, and she pushed me when she needed to.

"Yeah, I would say I wasn't feeling as free as on previous matches to also push in the important moments."