Madison Keys claims that it happened several times she was approached by a coach and offered a collaboration, although the same person was already working with a WTA player.
On the latest episode of The Player's Box Podcast, hosts Keys, Jessica Pegula, Jennifer Brady and Desirae Krawczyk discussed coaching changes that are common for this part of the year. The four American players gave some interesting insight as they revealed that it is usually around the US Open when players but also coaches already start to think about the next season. And sometimes, even some moves that wouldn't be considered morally correct happen.
Keys: I was like, 'Aren't you actively working with someone else?'
"It happens both ways. Some players start looking before theyre officially done with their coach. And yes, Ive had coaches come up to me like, 'Are you looking for someone?' and Im thinking, 'Arent you actively working with someone else?'" the reigning Australian Open champion said on The Player's Box.
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"Sometimes your team senses that things are ending, maybe youve said things that imply you wont continue after the US Open or Asia. Then agents start quietly feeling out options so youre not coach-less. There are definitely coaches who poach. Its not a good feeling. A lot of times the player has no idea its happening behind their back."
During the same conversation, Keys noted that she personally prefers to have a small circle around her, consisting of the people she trusts and feels comfortable.
As you probably know, Keys is married to former American ATP player Bjorn Fratangelo. After playing his last match on the Tour in August 2023, Fratangalo became his wife's full-time coach.
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After becoming a Grand Slam champion at this year's Australian Open, Keys funnily shared how Fratangelo became her coach as she revealed that her husband was initially nervous about it before agreeing to it.
