MELBOURNE, Australia — Be courageous. Take the plunge. These were the guiding phrases for Madison Keys as she faced the pivotal moments of her tennis career during the Australian Open final against Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time reigning champion. As the match hit a critical point in the third set at 5-all, 30-all, Keys focused on being aggressive, dismissing any nerves that might accompany such an intense situation. After years of self-doubt, she decided there was no room for uncertainty; she simply wanted to embrace the moment and be proud of her performance—win or lose.
“I kept telling myself, ‘Be brave’ and ‘Go for it.’ It became my mantra for the day,” Keys explained in a post-match interview after clinching her first Grand Slam title with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 against the top-ranked Sabalenka at Rod Laver Arena. “I attacked every point, and even if I made mistakes, I could accept that. My biggest fear was looking back and regretting that I didn’t play aggressively enough.”
Keys attributed her success not only to her own efforts but also to the vital support from her entourage, including Bjorn Fratangelo, a former player who has been her partner and coach since mid-2023, and her husband for the past few months. She also emphasized the role her therapist played in helping her navigate her emotions throughout the tournament, stating that she often communicated with friends on the tour who provided her with encouragement during tougher moments.
Her perspective shifted significantly over time. In her earlier career, she often felt overwhelmed by expectations and worried about the consequences of not achieving a Grand Slam victory despite entering the sport as a memorable prodigy at 12. Past disappointments, like losing to Serena Williams in her first Grand Slam semifinal or falling to Sloane Stephens in her first final at the U.S. Open, compounded her anxieties. Over time, however, she learned it was acceptable to let go of these pressures and embrace the sport even if it meant not winning major titles. She recognized that experiencing nerves is part of the game, something even legends like Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer face.
Fratangelo remarked on how Keys has begun managing her nerves better, as she demonstrated throughout the tournament with five matches going to three sets and defeating four top-10 players, a feat not accomplished by any woman since 2009. He noted her bravery had become essential in navigating the pressure-filled matches against formidable opponents, including a comeback from match point against Iga Swiatek, who also acknowledged Keys’ bravery on the court.
Keys displayed exceptional focus and skill, particularly during the tense moments against Sabalenka. After a pivotal point at 5-all, she captured six of the last eight, showcasing impressive forehand winners that sealed her victory—the key to her performance. Sabalenka acknowledged Keys’ dominance, noting that if she could maintain such a level of consistency, there would be little any opponent could do to respond.
Reflecting on her journey, Keys remarked that her first semifinal at the Australian Open felt distant now, indicating how much she has grown as a player over the years. “It feels like I was a completely different person back then. The experiences I’ve gone through have culminated in this moment, where I can finally showcase my best tennis and secure a Grand Slam title,” she shared.
As Keys savored this well-deserved triumph, she not only celebrated her individual success but recognized the important role of her team and the support they offered, paving the way for her to conquer the sport she loves.
