MELBOURNE, Australia — Upon clinching her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, Madison Keys’s first message was to her mother. “Because, of course, you have to text Mom first,” the beaming 29-year-old American shared. Shortly after, she also reached out to her therapist, with whom she has engaged in meaningful conversations over the past year and a half. Keys attributes this support to her personal growth and her ability to manage her experiences both in life and on the tennis court—whether it’s coping with nerves during a match or coming to terms with the possibility of never claiming a major trophy.
In an interview, Keys revealed how frequently she communicates with her therapist, especially during this trip. Following a closely contested match against Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the second round, she contacted her therapist, expressing that she was grappling with some issues. “We were able to talk, and then we kind of just continued to text since then,” said Keys. They try to maintain a weekly or bi-weekly schedule during the tennis season, though the intensity of tournaments can necessitate more frequent discussions.
Keys shared that she first sought help from a sports psychologist around the age of 18 or 19 but struggled to find the right fit. “Never really found anyone that I quite connected with and clicked with,” she noted. Eventually, she transitioned to her current therapist, with whom she felt a better rapport. During her press conference after her hard-fought victory against No. 1 ranked Aryna Sabalenka, Keys discussed how therapy has assisted her in overcoming mental barriers that previously hindered her performance, such as the pressure of living up to others’ expectations if she didn’t secure a major title.
The journey of seeking help involved a fair bit of discomfort for Keys. “Just being really honest and actually getting help and actually talking to someone—not just about tennis, but about how I felt about myself—was necessary. Again, it was very uncomfortable… I honestly think that had I not done that, then I wouldn’t be sitting here.” She acknowledged the on-site support offered by WTA professionals during tournaments but insisted that this kind of assistance could benefit a wider audience beyond elite athletes.
“The stigma surrounding therapy—particularly in sports—is starting to diminish. I truly believe that everyone should consider therapy, no matter what. It’s advantageous,” Keys stated emphatically. “Life has its challenges, and having someone to speak with is crucial.” She emphasized that therapy is a lifelong endeavor for her, advocating for its normalization in society. “It should be viewed similarly to a doctor’s visit; no one questions that. It’s an overwhelming necessity for most people.”