NEW YORK, Aug 22 – World No. 6 Madison Keys arrives at the 2025 U.S. Open carrying far less pressure than before, having shattered expectations by capturing her first Grand Slam earlier this year. Her watershed win came at the Australian Open, where she stunned world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, liberating herself from the prelude of her long-awaited breakthrough.
At 30 years old, Keys has matured into an even more formidable competitor. “When you win your first slam… the pressure … kind of goes away,” she reflected, acknowledging the freedom that now defines her game. “Now you’re looking for the next one… but you already know that you can do it.”
Her love for the U.S. Open is no secret. Keys praised the “loud, rowdy” crowds at Arthur Ashe Stadium, calling the energy “really fun.”
She will kick off her campaign against Mexico’s Renata Zarazua on Sunday, eager to build on her momentum from Melbourne.
