"They believe in me when I couldn't" – Madison Keys lauds husband Bjorn and legendary Lindsay Davenport for unwavering support

Madison Keys finally achieved her dream of winning a Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open. The American has been a consistent presence in the WTA rankings for over a decade, and many wondered if her time to win a major had passed.

However, Keys silenced the doubters with a remarkable run in Melbourne, securing her first Grand Slam trophy.

Keys’ journey to Grand Slam glory

Throughout her career, Keys has won 10 WTA singles titles, but a Grand Slam victory had always eluded her—until January 2025. Her impressive form leading up to the Australian Open, including a title at the Adelaide International, gave her the confidence boost she needed.

Keys’ mental resilience and tactical approach were evident throughout the tournament, as she battled past some of the world’s top players to claim the trophy. The triumph cemented her status as one of the game’s elite players and proved her determination to keep improving.

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Gratitude for her team’s support

Keys emphasised that her success was not just her own but a collective victory shared with the team behind her. She expressed deep gratitude to her coaches and support staff, acknowledging their invaluable role in her journey.

"I've had, honestly, some of the best people around me for a long time," Keys shared on a podcast. "Max—I've known since I was 12 years old. He is family at this point in my life. And then to have Lindsay with me for as many years as I have, and we've had some amazing wins and tough losses. Now, having Bjorn, along with Kayla and Lang, round as well. They have all been so supportive at every point in my career."

Madison Keys

Keys opened up about her doubts over the years, admitting that there were times when she questioned if she would ever get another opportunity to win a Slam. However, her team’s unwavering belief in her ability gave her the motivation to push forward.

"I think they've been so important because there were so many times over the last five, six, seven years when I didn't know if I would ever get the opportunity again," Keys said. "Not only did they believe in me when I couldn't, but they also made me feel supported and loved. Whether I won a Slam never mattered—they would always be my biggest cheerleaders. I felt like that finally allowed me to be proud of my career, with or without a Slam."

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What’s next for Keys?

Now that Keys has broken through and secured her first major, she will look to build on her momentum in 2025. With a strong team behind her and renewed confidence, she has the potential to compete for more Grand Slam titles and solidify her place at the top of the sport.

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