Madison Keys is poised to compete at the BNP Paribas Open, marking her first tournament since her remarkable victory at the Australian Open in January. The journey to her Grand Slam title has been transformative, filled with both triumph and unexpected challenges.
The Early Days of Madison Keys
At just 10 years old, Madison Keys and her family moved from a small town in Illinois to Florida to enable her training at Chris Evert’s prestigious tennis academy. This significant step ignited high expectations and fueled her lifelong dream of winning a Grand Slam title.
Keys quickly made her mark in professional tennis, debuting in a major draw at the US Open as a 16-year-old and securing her first-round match win. However, it took her a total of 46 Grand Slam main draw entries to realize her ambition. This journey included notable performances, such as a runner-up finish at the US Open in 2017, culminating in her Australian Open championship victory where she triumphed over two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
The Emotional Roller Coaster
Following her victory, Keys returned home with the trophy in hand, unwilling to risk losing the achievement she had worked tirelessly for. However, amidst a whirlwind of media obligations in New York, she faced a daunting question: “What comes next?” This unsettling period led her to spend three days grappling with her emotions on her couch. “It was really emotionally draining,” Keys noted, reflecting on the sudden transition from peak achievement back to ordinary life. “I was basically comatose just trying to recover.”
Handling the Aftermath
Now ranked a career-high No. 5, Keys is not alone in navigating this post-Slam experience. She has been forewarned by many former players about the emotional letdown that follows a major victory. “The existential crisis is totally normal,” Keys recalled, noting a common sentiment shared by her peers.
Dominic Thiem, a former world No. 3 and 2020 US Open champion, expressed the heaviness that follows such an achievement. “After [the US Open], I was in a state of euphoria,” he shared, revealing the unexpected struggles that came afterward. Likewise, three-time Grand Slam winner Ashleigh Barty spoke about her own loss of motivation after winning Wimbledon, revealing a similar, disconcerting emotional landscape.
Keys’ Proactive Approach
Recognizing the potential for a similar emotional drop, Keys took proactive measures. She engaged a psychologist about a year ago and has maintained weekly sessions since her triumph, providing her with tools to navigate her feelings. Keys candidly admitted that the experience felt reminiscent of post-wedding reflections: “It’s like there’s all this planning and buildup, and then you wake up the next morning and you go, ‘Wait, it’s over?’”
This targeted approach has proved beneficial, giving her a much-needed perspective on her feelings in what she presumed would be the happiest period of her life.
A New Outlook on Competition
Instead of rushing back into competition, Keys allowed herself time to celebrate her victory, training at the USTA’s National Campus while her peers participated in earlier events. This environment fostered appreciation for her win and provided a refreshing context to relish her achievement amidst younger American talent. “They were like, ‘I wear a hat because of you now,’” she recounted, beaming about the admiration from the next generation.
The Uplifting Reception
The outpouring of support from fellow players, ranging from current stars like Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula to legends like Serena Williams, has underscored the respect Keys has earned throughout her career. Taylor Fritz, the current world No. 4, described his genuine happiness for Keys’ success, remarking, “It’s amazing to see that happen for her now. I mean, she just really deserves it.”
For Keys, this kind of acknowledgment validates her commitment to personal integrity. “I’ve always wanted being a good person to be the lead about me,” she expressed. Emphasizing her desire not to compromise her character for success, Keys celebrated the support she received as evidence that kindness can coexist with achievement.
Preparation for BNP Paribas Open
This week, Keys will return to the courts, competing as the No. 5 seed at the BNP Paribas Open. She will face Anastasia Potapova in the first round, amidst expectations heightened by her recent victory. Aware of the pressure, she aims to manage her expectations thoughtfully, reflecting on her perspective as she navigates this pivotal moment in her career.
“I did it once, maybe I can do it again,” Keys said. Yet, she remains grounded, recognizing the challenges ahead, acknowledging the strength of the competition, and ultimately valuing her experience and the joy she finds in the game. “Honestly, the month of January in Australia was probably some of the most fun that I’ve ever had on the tennis court.”
