“Everyone is chasing me,” Madison Keys says players aspire to beat her since winning the Australian Open
Since Madison Keys made history by winning the Australian Open in January, she has failed to reach a WTA tournament final.
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Madison Keys (image via Instagram @madisonkeys)
Madison Keys‘ career has never been the same since she lifted the Australian Open title. The American had tried for several years and failed but she finally earned the prestigious title at 30. Since then, she has been catapulted to the mountaintop of fame and that has come with its own problem as players now seek to defeat her.
Keys defeated two Grand Slam champions, Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek, en route to the Australian Open final. She then produced her best tennis against Aryna Sabalenka to win her maiden Grand Slam in Melbourne. The American star was celebrated by the tennis world but has not reached a final since then.
She didn’t compete at the Middle East swing due to a hamstring injury she picked in Melbourne but was back to the court for the Sunshine Double. She continued with her Australian Open form in Indian Wells but was stunned by Sabalenka in the semi-finals. The 30-year-old then suffered another defeat against 19-year-old Alexandra Eala in the third round of the Miami Open.
She’s currently competing at the Charleston Open and during an interview, she was asked how she has been dealing with pressure since her triumph in January. She revealed that despite receiving several congratulations many times, players are now aspiring to defeat her at events.
It’s true, I’ve been congratulated many times since I won the title, but I’m not complaining about it. Hopefully, they will continue; it will be good news, although I must also confess that now the girls raise their level a lot when they play against me; that’s a feeling I have. Let’s say it’s my new reality since I won in Australia as if everyone is now chasing me; this is not the friendliest part of it all. That’s what winning a Grand Slam does, you shoot up in the rankings and position yourself where many aspire to be.
Madison Keys said via Tennis Channel
Keys will hope to bounce back from her Sunshine Double slump at the Charleston Open. The American star last won the event in 2019 and will be hoping to make it her third title of the season.
Madison Keys says players have begun to approach her for advice since winning Australian Open
Madison Keys has become famous since winning the Australian Open. The American now gets more media coverage than previously and now has a commanding voice in the women’s circuit. She revealed that players have come to meet her for advice on how to win a Grand Slam title, after achieving it at 30.
The feeling of hearing from my teammates is incredible, many people have approached me to say that what I did was amazing, emphasizing especially that I achieved it at 30 years old. We are now seeing a generation very close to 30 or even above, but it’s an age where you can still reach your best tennis level. Everyone is in a good position to achieve their maximum potential, age is not a barrier by any means. The important thing is to get out there and enjoy it.
Madison Keys said
Keys now has to push for more Grand Slam and make a statement that it isn’t just a one-time affair. She will be closely watched at the French Open as her best run at the event was reaching the quarter-finals in 2019.
Madison Keys into the Round of 16 of the Charleston Open
Madison Keys booked her place in the Round of 16 of the Charleston Open after beating Caroline Dolehide in straight sets. Keys had led 6-3, 5-4 before Dolehide erased the second set lead and forced the match into a decider.
It took the Australian Open champion some level of display to oust fellow American and claim a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory. Keys victory was her 20th of the season. She will now face the winner between Anna Kalinskaya and Caty McNally in the Round of 16 as she seeks to win the title for the first time since 2019.
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