• American victorious with 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (8) win
• Advances to her second grand slam final

As Madison Keys stared down a match point in the final set of one of the most extraordinary matches of her career, she had ample reason to slump her shoulders and lament the crushing defeat that seemed to be imminent.

From a set down, Keys had rallied brilliantly, dragging herself back into contention with some of the most destructive, daring ­shotmaking exhibited all tournament. In the breathless final set that followed, when she was so often close to ­losing, the 19th seed continually found the courage and heart to force her way back into the match.

• Aryna Sabalenka beats Paula Badosa to reach the final
• Get in touch! Email Daniel Harris with your thoughts

Sabalenka 0-1 Badosa* (denotes server) A big service-winner down the T makes 15-all, but Sabalenka takes control of the next point with a booming forehand return, cleaning up with with another down the line Then, facing a second serve, she steps in a little and starts thwacking … but just when15-40 seems a matter of time, a backhand on the stretch and on to the line hauls Badosa back into the point and eventually the error comes; 30-all. But a double presents break point; another service-winner confiscates it, and so far, the underdog is coping with the pressure well, as I type spanking an ace down the T for advantage. And though she oughtn’t win the next rally, Sabalenka in at the net and unable to finish, she makes her opponent play enough balls such that the error comes. Badosa is into this!

Badosa to serve and ready … play.