“It depends on…” Madison Keys discloses the impact of sports betting on the tennis circuit

Newly crowned Australian Open champion Madison Keys hopes to carry on her heroic start to the season to Indian Wells.

“It depends on…” Madison Keys discloses the impact of sports betting on the tennis circuit

Madison Keys (via X)

American tennis star Madison Keys is officially back at Indian Wells, hoping to carry on her winning form from the Australian Open to the BNP Paribas Open. The American withdrew from some events in between due to physical problems, but she is ready to compete again.

In her pre-tournament press conference, Keys was asked about the influence of betting and gambling on the tennis circuit. Being humble as she is, the American gave a diplomatic answer. She acknowledged why it is integrated into the game but also admitted that it is not her favorite aspect.

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I don’t think there’s a clear-cut answer, but I think it depends on who you ask. Obviously, a lot of the partnerships are based on betting. At the end of the day, a lot of tournaments make a lot of money off of the partnerships that they have with betting companies. That’s what keeps us employed. So in that way, I can see how it’s really beneficial in that the players who are the victims of a lot of betting are very angry. I would say that’s obviously not my favorite thing. So I think it depends on which way you look at it. I wish there was a way to get all the benefits that tournaments provide, but also protect the players who are taking the hit from the betting.

Madison Keys said in her press conference

Keys shocked the world at the Australian Open. The former US Open runner-up came back from a match point down to beat Iga Swiatek in the semifinals before clinching her first Grand Slam title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final.

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Despite missing some events after her Melbourne run, Keys is currently ranked as the WTA World No. 5. Considering how inconsistent Sabalenka and Swiatek have been lately, Keys has a strong chance of reaching the World No. 1 ranking this year.

Madison Keys hopes to end an American curse at Indian Wells

Madison Keys is one of the top American hopes at the Indian Wells Open. She has reached the quarter-finals before, making it that far in 2022. With her powerful game, Keys is aiming to end the long title drought for American women at this tournament.

Madison Keys
Madison Keys (via X)

It has been over 20 years since an American woman won at Indian Wells. Serena Williams was the last to do so in 2001 when she defeated Kim Clijsters. Since then, no American woman has managed to lift the trophy in California.

In the 2025 main draw, Keys is joined by other strong American players. Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Emma Navarro are all ranked in the top ten, with Danielle Collins and Amanda Anisimova also seeded. Keys hopes this talented group can change the story this year.

Young stars like McCartney Kessler, Sofia Kenin, Peyton Stearns, Whitney Osuigwe, and Iva Jovic are also competing. Keys and her fellow Americans are determined to inspire each other and finally bring the Indian Wells title back to the United States.