By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday, January 28, 2025
Madison Keys shares her profound journey of resilience, transforming dreams into reality.
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Following her incredible triumph over World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final last weekend, the American tennis star opened up about navigating the whirlwind of expectations and understanding her own emotions about her professional path.
In her off-season preparation, Keys made significant changes to her game, including revamping her serve and switching racquets and strings. But it wasn’t just technical adjustments; she also sought support from a therapist, which she credits as a vital component of unlocking her full potential.
“Reaching a personal low pushed me to seek help, not just for performance but to feel better overall,” she shared about her therapeutic experience, which extended beyond sports.
Keys reflected on how therapy illuminated paths to better manage her nerves.
“It was like a lightbulb went on—I realized I could feel nervous and still play exceptional tennis. Acceptance of those feelings was key,” she explained. “I stopped resisting my emotions, acknowledging that it’s completely normal to feel this way, and I can still compete at a high level.”
Through this transformation, Keys not only improved her mental game but also embraced her career’s journey. The absence of a Grand Slam title no longer defined her worth; she recognized her career as remarkable in its own right.
“I believe everything unfolds for a reason,” she reflected. “The tough times forced me to confront my inner self and work on the self-imposed pressure I felt.”
“From a young age, I felt if I didn’t win a Grand Slam, I would have let everyone down. It was burdensome. Now, I can confidently appreciate my achievements, Slam or not. I’ve reached a place where I’m at peace, and winning a Grand Slam doesn’t define my value or my status as a great tennis player.”
“Letting go of that pressure opened the door for me to play some incredible tennis and, ultimately, to seize the Grand Slam victory.”