Madison Keys admits she will definitely feel "pressure" when she arrives in Melbourne for her Australian Open title defense, but also adds that she is very excited about experiencing that type of challenge.
After easily losing her first Grand Slam final to Sloane Stephens at the 2017 US Open and struggling with expectations for years, Keys put up an impressive run at this year's Australian Open to lift her maiden Major title. En route to conquering Melbourne Park, the American beat three top-5 players - Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina - and also had very notable wins over Elina Svitolina and Danielle Collins. The current world No. 7 became a Grand Slam champion just three weeks before her 30th birthday.
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In just over a month, Keys will open her first Grand Slam title defense.
After beating Venus Williams 7-5 6-0 in an exhibition match in Charlotte during the weekend, the 30-year-old was asked how she was feeling ahead what is about to come in the first month of 2026.
Keys: There's going to be pressure... But I'm also very much looking forward to it
I think obviously theres going to be pressure being the defending champion. Itd be crazy if I said there wouldnt be. But I think its really just kind of how you think about it. Its obviously a massive accomplishment and its going to be a huge honor to go into a Slam for the first time being a defending champion. I am also very much looking forward to just the whole Aussie swing. Its always one of my favorite times of the year, so really, Im looking forward to going back," the world No. 7 said.
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Keys pulled off back-to-back thriller wins to win the Australian Open. Firstly, in the semifinal, the American saved a match point en route to upsetting Swiatek 5-7 6-1 7-6 (8). Then, the 30-year-old prevented Sabalenka from completing athree-peat at the Happy Slam after edging out the Belarusian in the final 6-3 2-6 7-5.
