“There have been periods of my career where it felt like if I didn’t win one, then I hadn’t done enough, and I didn’t live up to my potential in all of that.” These were Madison Keys’ words after she stormed into the AO final last month. Just days later, she claimed her first Grand Slam title, after missing out on glory once before in 2017, losing to Sloane Stephens at Flushing Meadows. However, since that triumphant moment at Down Under against Aryna Sabalenka, the American has been absent from the court, sidelined by injuries. However, an unexpected side of her has surfaced just days before the highly anticipated Indian Wells Tournament. What’s that?
After her title triumph at the AO and a well-deserved vacation, Keys is back in action, preparing for the BNP Paribas Open. The shift from relaxation to intense training sessions is evident in her latest IG post, where she offers fans a candid glimpse into her journey. She seems to have switched from holiday mode to full-throttle preparation. In a playful nod to her ‘post-victory’ break, Keys quizzed her fans, “How is your vacation going?” only to answer it herself with clips of her relentless training with her team.
Delivering powerful shots and pushing through grueling workout sessions, Keys could be seen showcasing her unwavering commitment through the video. Adding a personal touch to her return to the court, the 30-year-old also unveiled her newly customized ‘Yonex kitbag’, now proudly bearing her name as the Australian Open champion. As a tribute to her unforgettable triumph at the iconic Rod Laver Arena, the bag also features a Kangaroo logo: an emblem of her success down under.
Right after highlighting her intense training routine, Keys also gave fans a glimpse of her unfiltered, messy side through social media. The World No. 5 shared another story on IG, captioning, “There is a method to this madness I promise.” In that image, the Australian Open champion can be seen standing in front of a mirror, while all of her dresses and kits are all over the place over the bed. And, of course, she does look excited for her upcoming assignment at the Indian Wells!
Well, why wouldn’t she? Keys’ road back to competition hasn’t been as seamless as she would have thought after the AO. After her landmark triumph, she was set to compete in the Middle East swing in February, but a leg injury forced her to withdraw from both the Qatar Open as well as the Dubai Tennis Championships. Aiming for a resurgence, she will recommence competition at Indian Wells in a few days, a tournament in which her past performance has been less than stellar.
Last year’s BNP Paribas Open didn’t go as planned for Keys, as she fell in the second round to Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva. This time, however, she is determined to turn the page and make a powerful statement in her first appearance on the court since January.
Meanwhile, Keys’s performance in the Melbourne competition has resulted in a well-deserved increase in her WTA ranking, a commendable achievement for the 30-year-old.
Madison Keys achieves career-best ranking post the AO triumph
While Maddy’s post-AO journey has had its setbacks through injuries, her triumph in Melbourne has propelled her to new heights in the current WTA rankings. Her rise in the ranks began earlier this season with a title win at the Adelaide International, where she defeated her countrywoman Jessica Pegula.
En route to her maiden GS title in her 16-year career, Keys secured impressive victories over the likes of Danielle Collins, Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina, and the former World No. 1 Iga Świątek as well before clinching the championship against former two-time AO winner Aryna Sabalenka. This remarkable feat saw her soar to a career-best WTA ranking of World No. 5.
Notably, Keys became just the twentieth from the United States to be ranked among the top five since the official rankings commenced in 1975. Maddy now shares the elite ranking tier with compatriots and colleagues from America, Coco Gauff (3rd) and Jessica Pegula (4th). This marks the 1st time since 2003 that three American WTA stars have simultaneously occupied the top 5 ranks: a milestone last achieved by Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, and Jennifer Capriati.
As Keys sets her sights on the upcoming Sunshine Double, the fans eagerly wait to see if she can extend her GS success from Down Under. What do you think?
The post ‘A Method to This Madness I Promiss’- Madison Keys Shares Unusual Behind-the-Scenes of Her Messy Room as She Gears Up for Indian Wells appeared first on EssentiallySports.