“I was just a zombie,” Madison Keys sheds light on struggles of becoming Grand Slam champion

Madison Keys stunned World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 Down Under to become a Grand Slam champion for the first time.

“I was just a zombie,” Madison Keys sheds light on struggles of becoming Grand Slam champion

Madison Keys (Image via WTA/X)

Madison Keys finally fulfilled her Grand Slam dream when she upset World No.1 and three-time Grand Slam singles champion Aryna Sabalenka in the 2025 Australian Open final. Keys, however, didn’t have time to celebrate her win.

Appearing on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, the World No.5 revealed what had happened after she won the Melbourne Slam. Right after she walked off the court, she did six TV interviews in a row.

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She didn’t had a shower and was hungry and thirsty. When she finally quenched her thirst and had about 20 minutes to herself, she had to do the drug test.

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I finally took a shower, shoveled food in my face, and did another two hours of media. We got back to the hotel at almost three and, of course, then I am like, ‘I can’t sleep’!

Madison Keys said

The 30-year-old then flew to New York and then to Florida for other commitments. By then, she had had enough of the hectic schedule and told her agent that she just couldn’t talk to anyone.

I was just a zombie. I was so happy, but also, it was like I hadn’t even taken a breath and absorbed anything that happened. Then we flew to New York, and I had an entire day of press.

Madison Keys added

Andrea Petkovic analyzes Madison Keys’ chances at Indian Wells

Madison Keys will be in action at the Indian Wells Open, her first tournament since her three-set win over Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final. She skipped the entire Middle East Swing, including the two WTA 1000 tournaments in Doha and Dubai, to prioritize rest. She will kick start her campaign on Friday (March 7).

Madison Keys
Madison Keys (Image via WTA/X)

Ahead of the tournament, former WTA ace Andrea Petkovic analyzed her game and explained what could make Keys a dangerous player in the Californian desert. The German thinks Keys could make a deep run if she wins her opening matches.

I honestly think if she gets through the first two rounds, she will be very dangerous. I do think for these types of players who hit the ball so hard in Indian Wells, the first two rounds are very difficult.

Andrea Petkovic said on Tennis Channel

Keys, however, doesn’t have a decent record at Indian Wells. The World No.5 is 10-11 and has progressed to the quarterfinals just once in 2022, which she lost to current World No.2 Iga Swiatek.