Madison Keys Admits She Felt Pressure While Playing Right After Grand Slam Win: “Starting to Feel Comfortable Again”

Madison Keys has not yet played in a final since winning her career’s first Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open by defeating Aryna Sabalenka. The American ace is currently competing at the Charleston Open and has inched closer to ending her trophy drought.

After breezing past Donna Vekic, Keys eliminated Anna Bondar to schedule her quarterfinal match against third seed Belinda Bencic. At the press conference afterward, the 31-year-old admitted that she was putting a lot of pressure on herself after becoming a Grand Slam champion.

It has been a long process, a process of finding balance. I worked hard not to feel that my career needed to win a Grand Slam, until the day came when I did it, then I thought: And now what? At that moment, I realized a lot of pressure came from myself, so now I’m starting to feel comfortable again, accepting that winning a single tournament of this caliber is already incredible.

Madison Keys told Tennis Channel

Prior to last year’s Melbourne Slam, Keys had also made the final of the 2017 US Open, where Sloane Stephens registered the win in straight sets. Apart from the Australian Open, Keys had earlier won another Big Title: the 2019 Cincinnati Open.

This season, Keys has yet to reach the semifinals of a tournament. After her defeat to eventual champion Sabalenka in the quarterfinal of the Brisbane International, Keys failed to defend her title at the Adelaide International, losing the match to eventual runner-up Victoria Mboko.

At the Australian Open then, Keys suffered a fourth-round exit, losing to countrywoman Jessica Pegula. In the two Sunshine Double events, Keys exited after making the third round.

Madison Keys on playing at the Charleston Open

Madison Keys is the winner of 10 titles, two of which she won on clay, reaching four finals on the surface so far. Back in 2015, Angelique Kerber denied her the Charleston Open title.

But she tasted success in the tournament in 2019 against Caroline Wozniacki. She added her second clay-court title to her trophy cabinet by defeating Danielle Collins in the 2024 Strasbourg Open final.

I grew up playing on green clay. I grew up in Florida, so from a very young age, I started competing on this surface and sliding. I think this is the most challenging aspect for all of us, sliding on clay when you’re unsure of your movements, it’s something that ends up affecting everything.

Madison Keys told Tennis Channel

Last year in Charleston, Anna Kalinskaya knocked her out in the round of 16. Keys will be playing the quarterfinal in the WTA 500 tournament for the first time since 2023.

I’ve always loved this place [Charleston], this tournament; I love playing here every season. It’s a beautiful city, the fans are amazing, the facilities are spectacular, undoubtedly one of the best tournaments in the world. Plus, I’ve had a lot of success here, I’ve won the title and played more finals, reached the quarterfinals many times, that’s why I always tell Bob: Next year, I’m coming back!

Madison Keys added

Keys holds a 3-2 head-to-head edge over Bencic, and last faced her in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Indian Wells, which she won easily. Before setting up the clash with Keys, the Swiss ace defeated Dayana Yastremska and Sara Bejlek. Bencic also clinched two titles last year and has yet to win a title since lifting the 2025 Pan Pacific Open.

The 29-year-old has so far won one clay-court title, the 2022 Charleston Open against three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur. The Tunisian ace beat her in the final of this tournament back in 2023.

Also read: Paula Badosa Inspired by Rafael Nadal as She Kicks Off her Clay Season Campaign

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