Madison Keys made history at the Australian Open by winning her first Grand Slam title, defeating the world’s top ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka. The American tennis star triumphed with scores of 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, marking her ascent among the elite in the sport.
Following this landmark victory, Keys expressed her excitement, stating on "Good Morning America," "I feel like I still haven't quite stopped moving to actually sit there and totally take it all in. It's been a crazy 48 hours. I'm just so happy I finally have one of these," referring to the coveted Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
During her Australian Open campaign, Keys displayed remarkable resilience. She first battled back from being set down against world No. 2 Iga Świątek, eventually claiming her place in the final. Facing Sabalenka, who sought to conquer the tournament for the third consecutive year, Keys launched her assault from the very start. She broke Sabalenka’s serve immediately, seizing the momentum early on.
Reflecting on her performance, Keys said, "Looking at the draw... every round there was just more and more confidence. I don't know what kind of flip switched in my head, but I was like, 'I can do this.' I actually truly believed..." This pivotal moment crystallized her path to victory as she executed 29 winners throughout the match, showcasing her prowess on the court.
For Keys, this triumph was not only about the title but also about overcoming persistent doubts and pressures. She revealed, "If it happens, amazing, if it doesn't happen, it's OK, I'll still be proud of myself," highlighting her philosophical approach to the game after years of grappling with expectations. Keys underscored the importance of mental health and well-being, noting, "It finally took going to therapy and getting really honest..." This introspection and growth have fueled her competitive spirit and execution.
With her newfound status, Madison Keys has also returned to her career-best ranking, now positioned at No. 7. She joins other prominent American women—Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Emma Navarro—in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Top 10, illustrating the rising prominence of American talents on the world stage.
Looking forward, Keys is eager to embrace what lies ahead. Her next commitments include participating in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells and the Miami Open scheduled consecutively for March. Keys expressed the joy of balancing her personal and professional life successfully, as her husband and coach, former American player Bjorn Fratangelo, has been instrumental during this phase of her career.
"It's just been really nice... But to be able to now achieve this goal..." she remarked, reflecting on how their relationship melds both aspects of their lives, enhancing both her performance and happiness.
Madison Keys is poised to enter the Eisenhower Cup on March 4, shortly after her Australian Open celebration. The annual mixed doubles event will showcase her alongside fellow tennis stars like Aryna Sabalenka and Tommy Paul. The Eisenhower Cup has become popular among fans and serves as a relaxed precursor to the full BNP Paribas Open main draw.
With gates opening at 5:30 p.m. for the Eisenhower Cup, and tickets starting at $60, fans are invited to witness Keys and other tennis luminaries engage in the fast-paced Tie Break Tens format, where matches are condensed to exhilarating ten-point tie breaks. This exciting event sets the tone for what Keys will bring to the tennis calendar this year.
From her recent victory to upcoming tournaments, Madison Keys continues to stride confidently through 2025, embodying both the spirit of resilience and achievement integral to her success on the court.