MADISON KEYS credited lots of therapy for the mental unburdening that allowed her to realise a lifelong dream of winning a first grand slam title.

The American ended Aryna Sabalenka’s hopes of a third straight Australian Open title, seizing her moment to claim a 6-3 2-6 7-5 victory on Rod Laver Arena.

In the Open era, only Flavia Pennetta, Ann Jones and Francesca Schiavone have won maiden grand slam titles later into their career than 29-year-old Keys, who covered her face with her hands in delight and disbelief after sending a final forehand winner fizzing past Sabalenka.