It was Sabalenka who got on the front foot early. When she ripped a forehand winner past Keys for 3-0, only 10 minutes had elapsed on the match clock. Keys has been so resourceful during her career best winning streak, but she couldn’t summon the magic that guided her to an amazing breakthrough in Australia in January against Sabalenka.

The 30-year-old American never got settled in the windy conditions, and handed the reins to rock-solid Sabalenka, who was more than happy to drive the victory home. 

A Keys double-fault handed the top seed a double break for a 4-0 lead in set one, ten unforced errors in those first four games contributing to her demise. When Sabalenka quickly tacked on two more games and closed out the bagel set at the 24-minute mark, it was obvious that Friday wouldn’t be Keys’ night. 

Bidding to become the first American woman to win the Indian Wells title since Serena Williams in 2001, Keys tried to turn things around early in the second set, but could not convert a pivotal break point in the first game.

That opportunity squandered, Keys first service game of the second set suddenly was a must-win endeavor. 

She lost it. 

Her third unforced error of the next game handed Sabalenka yet another break and a 6-0, 2-0 lead. Applause rained down from the rafters as fans tried to encourage the newly minted major champion, but there would be no salvation on this evening.

Two more games blew by, Keys’ shoulders sagging as ruthless Sabalenka stretched the lead to 6-0, 4-0 at the 41-minute mark; a backhand winner, scorched down the line, took the run of consecutive games to 11.

But there would be no double bagel. 

An ace out wide to lock down the next game gave Keys a temporary reprieve. She sheepishly raised her arms aloft as the crowd showered her with cheers – a short-lived, bittersweet moment.