Madison Keys shares her motives of proving people wrong after lifting her maiden Australian Open title
Madison Keys outplayed several higher ranked players like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka in her dream Australian Open 2025 title run.
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After an impressive 2024 season and a strong start to her 2025 season, with the Brisbane International title, Aryna Sabalenka was the clear favourite to win the Australian Open title. The Belarusian who is known for her domination on hard courts, had won the title in 2023 and 2024 and was aiming for an elusive three peat this time.
While her strong contenders for the historic run were expected to be Coco Gauff or Iga Swiatek, little did people anticipate it would be 19th ranked Madison Keys who would give the World No. 1 her toughest competition. After defeating Sabalenka, and clinching her maiden Grand Slam title, Keys appeared for the Australian Open press conference.
From a young age, I felt like if I never won a Slam I wouldn’t live up to what people thought I should’ve been. I finally got to the point where I was proud, with or without one.
Madison Keys via Australian Open Press Conference
In this press conference Madison Keys reflected on her emotions after winning her first Grand Slam title. The 29-year-old discusses the internal struggles she faced, the significance of overcoming self-imposed pressure, and the support from her team.
Madison Keys on how her long journey to winning a Slam helped her grow
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 25, 2025
“From a young age, I felt like if I never won a Slam I wouldn't live up to what people thought I should’ve been. I finally got to the point where I was proud, with or without one” 🥹
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The American also emphasized the importance of mental health and therapy in her success. Keys highlighted how accepting and addressing her feelings has allowed her to play freely and confidently.
A dream run at the Australian Open 2025 for Madison Keys
Madison Keys played her first Grand Slam final in 2017 at the US Open, where she lost to Sloane Stephens in that final. Her next Grand Slam final came almost eight years later at the Australian Open 2025 where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.
This marked the sixth meeting on court between the Belarusian and the American. Sabalenka had won four of their five previous meetings, with Keys’ first win over Sabalenka being at the grass court of 2021 German Open.
Keys had a good start to her 2025 season, winning the Adelaide International title. Before reaching the Australian Open finals, Keys defeated several higher ranked opponents like Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek on her way.
What makes this dream run further more sweet is the fact that Keys is coached by her husband Bjorn Fratangelo. Keys’ story at the Australian Open 2025 is a beautiful reminder for everyone to have belief in oneself and know that our self worth is not tied to titles.
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Lakshya Chopra
(2611 Articles Published)