Australian Open champion Madison Keys was living with 'regret' before breakthrough victory

Freshly crowned Australian Open women's champion Madison Keys admits she was living with "regret" before her win over world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday night.

The American nabbed a gallant three-set victory (6-3, 2-6, 7-5) over Sabalenka to take home her first grand slam at the age of 29.

But, years ago, there were internal fears that Keys had blown any shot of becoming a champion.

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That was when she lost the US Open to fellow American Sloane Stevens in 2017, in a straight sets heartbreak.

"There were definitely some times where I didn't know whether I was going to ever be able to get back into a grand slam final," Keys admitted at Brighton Beach in Melbourne on Sunday morning, after her victory.

"That last final, I just walked away with so much regret and I really wanted another opportunity to try to play it on my terms."

And play it on her terms she did.

"Still kind of trying to wrap my head around it," she said.

"I think once I have a few days of normalcy it will finally hit me."

And Keys will continue to celebrate the victory with husband and coach Bjorn Fratangelo.

Fratangelo was in tears after Keys' win on Saturday night, showing a side she admits he hasn't given much attention to before.

"He's kind of a big softie. I don't think he always shows that," Keys said.

The American will now jump up to be ranked world No.7 after her Australian Open victory.

But the journey is just beginning.

"I think now, the sky is the limit," she said.