In the land down under, Madison Keys is on top of the world.
It was just kind of an out-of-body experience, she tells SELF in a Zoom call on January 28.
Everything else just disappears.
Robert Prange/SONGPHOL THESAKIT/Getty Images
And shes still riding that high three days later.
In her own way, that iskeeping it chill is the new titlists preference.
I’m a pretty low-key person, so that was the perfect way to celebrate.
And there was a lot to reflect upon.
With the win, Keys achieved a career milestone that shes been eyeing for more than half her life.
Then, in that tournament, she was knocked out in the third round by Belgian player Elise Mertens.
But change was in the cards.
Days later, the excitement hasnt worn off.
Im still super happy, she says.
I think I’ll probably ride the wave as long as I can.
SELF:Your husband, fellow tennis player Bjorn Fratangelo, doubles as your coach.
What is that dynamic like?
Madison Keys:This summer will be, I think, two years that hes been coaching me.
It really helps that he played professional tennis as well, so he understands the life.
We work really well together because he knows when and how to deliver messages.
He has my best interests at heart, and I trust what he says.
How do you feel these adjustments have enhanced your game and reduced your injury risk?
We started making some changes last year.
I dont really know specs and the technical things, but Bjorn is such a tennis geek.
Do you think these changes were a factor in your victory?
When you have that kind of combination, it just gives you a level of confidence.
This [racket and strings pairing] is definitely the combination for the foreseeable feature.
So I actually won the tournament before the Australian Open, the Adelaide International.
Maybe theres a little bit of superstition to it as well.
Maybe well see a run in Australia.
Some people like to lookI know [current World No.
Eventually, at some point, you figure it out, when theres not very many people left.
What does it mean to you to finally achieve this milestone of winning a major?
Does it feel like a lot of pressure has been lifted?
So I am kind of a believer that everything happens for a reason.
What does it mean to you that many young girls see themselves represented in you?
I got a very nice note from Serena.
What comes next for you?
Are you already strategizing for upcoming tournaments, or are you taking some time to savor this moment?
Thats the reality of tennis, is that it doesnt really stop.
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