Flushing Meadows is familiar territory for 2017 US Open finalist Madison Keys. But this year, following her Australian Open victory in January, she’ll return for the first time as a Grand Slam titlist. One might think the AO crown would weigh heavy going into her home Slam, but Keys begs to differ.
“I think when you win your first Slam, the pressure of winning the first one kind of goes away,” Keys said Friday during the US Open's Media Day. “It gives you a little bit more freedom when you're playing. Because now you're looking for the next one… but you already know that you can do it and that you have done it.”
Starting off 2025 with a Grand Slam title was a massive departure from her 2024 season, which was marred by injuries. She’s seemingly been on a redemption tour this year, having won the Adelaide International right before the Aussie Open and then reaching the quarterfinals at Roland Garros. After those results, it’s no secret that she has high hopes for the US Open.
“This is always my favorite time of the year. I have had some amazing moments here—and some pretty tragic ones—but it's still always my favorite,” Keys said.
“I mean, being an American, obviously your home Slam makes it a lot easier to be your favorite. But I just love the energy. I love playing on Ashe… It's the loudest, rowdiest crowd that you can play in front of. I think it's really fun.”
Keys got a taste of playing in Arthur Ashe Stadium earlier this week, after competing in the 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship with compatriot Frances Tiafoe. Although they lost to eventual finalists Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, Keys seemed to enjoy joining forces with her longtime friend.
“Love Foe. We have known each other for many, many years,” Keys said. “He's one of the best guys. He always has amazing energy. He's one of the happiest people you'll ever be around.
“We lived in the same apartment complex for a few years… I got a lot of FaceTimes on 'How do I start the washer?' and stuff. So we're quite close,” she added, with a laugh.
Her focus has now shifted to the singles main draw and her Monday meeting with Mexico’s Renata Zarazua in Round 1. The strong U.S. presence in the women’s draw is unmistakable, and the No. 6 seed told reporters she isn’t remotely surprised.
Americans competing at their home major can shoulder a lot of pressure, but the conversation around mental health has grown in the sport, and Keys shared her approach and mindset before a big tournament.
“In my experience, it's really about letting yourself prepare for it,” she said. For her, recognizing that nerves and jitters will happen, and knowing you have the tools to navigate them, can feel reassuring.
Plus, she expressed that running into young fans always acts as a helpful reality check.
“The biggest thing that I have come to really appreciate about my job is all of the little kids that we get to see and inspire,” she reflected. “The little moments of walking through the airport and having someone run up to you and want an autograph, it really just puts everything into perspective.
“Sometimes the travel is really hard and those are the moments where you [remember] that you get to play tennis for your job. I think sometimes we should touch grass and appreciate that,” Keys said, smiling.
