Madison Keys Shares Why Winning the Australian Open Title Still Feels Surreal as She Prepares for the Next Major

It has been a little over four months since Madison Keys celebrated her first grand slam title on Australian soil, yet the reality of that triumph has not entirely sunk in for the world No. 5.

Keys achieved a remarkable victory at the Australian Open, overcoming world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka with scores of 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, marking her inaugural grand slam win at the age of 29.

Since that remarkable achievement, the American has not made it to another tournament final, her best performance being a semi-final appearance against Sabalenka at Indian Wells.

As she gears up for the upcoming Roland-Garros, set to kick off on Sunday, Keys has begun to regain her momentum following participation in three clay-court competitions.

When asked if she would try to replicate the methods that led to her Australian success, Keys admitted that some aspects of that experience have faded from her memory.

“I’m not quite sure if it has [sunk in],” Keys shared with Duncan McHarg-McKenzie during an interview for Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily.

“Some days it’s right there at the forefront of my thoughts, while other days I find myself thinking, ‘Wow, I actually did that’. At times, it feels almost as if I’ve forgotten because life keeps on moving.”

“I’ve been revisiting some of my past matches to truly savour that experience. Tennis often encourages you to move on quickly.”

“I want to take the time to appreciate and remember the wonderful experience it was.”

With 12 previous appearances at Roland-Garros, Keys achieved her best result in 2018, reaching the semi-finals before losing to Sloane Stephens.

As she prepares to return to the tournament for the first time as a grand slam champion, Keys expressed her excitement about the fan response she anticipates in her pursuit of further triumphs.

“I’ve participated several times at Roland-Garros and have had noteworthy success, with some thrilling matches that I’ve managed to pull through.”

“The atmosphere and the fans are the most enjoyable aspects for me.”

“It’s certainly a unique fan dynamic, unlike anything else in the world. I really cherish playing in different countries and experiencing the various atmospheres.”

Keys will aim to disrupt Iga Swiatek’s bid for a fourth consecutive French Open title this month, although she might have to navigate through a potential quarter-final clash with world No. 2, Coco Gauff.

The coveted French Open trophy would undoubtedly complement Keys’ illustrious trophy collection splendidly.

As for the whereabouts of the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, Keys shared: “We are currently undergoing renovations at the front of our house, and I specified the need for a shelf that’s both tall and wide enough to accommodate Daphne.”

For the latest headlines, discussions, and highlights from Roland-Garros, Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily will be live-streaming every morning throughout the tournament, starting from Monday at 11am AEST.

​The show will be hosted by Chris Stubbs, alongside renowned Australian player, coach, and commentator Wally Masur. They’ll provide regular updates from McKenzie-McHarg on the ground in Paris, who will be interviewing some of tennis’s biggest stars.