Madison Keys is inspiring and ready to win at her favorite slam (Interview)
Madison Keys was one of the four American semifinalists at last year’s U.S. Open, making it all way to the final. This year, she’s ready to win.
Madison Keys turned professional at the very young age of 14. Now 23, the American player made her first grand slam final at Flushing Meadows last year at age 22. The Top 20 player is one of the favorites at this year’s U.S. Open.
The down-to-earth tennis player spoke with FanSided, while promoting her partnership with ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses #SeeItThrough campaign.
FanSided: You turned pro at age 14. Thinking of tennis players such as Jennifer Capriati — who had difficulties handling the demands in the teenage years — how did you handle the pressure at such a young age?
I’ve always been very lucky because I have an amazing support system around me. I have my sisters who always manage to keep my head from getting too big [laughs].
For me, it was always just I loved playing tennis, and that’s why I did it. I don’t think that I’m saving the world by playing tennis. It’s been great for me to have tennis as something that can create a platform for me so I can be a part of campaigns like “See It Through” and Fearlessly Girl.
What are you bringing from last year’s experience in the U.S. Open final against compatriot Sloane Stephens?
That whole experience has helped me in the last year, in a lot of different ways. I think the big thing is how well I managed my energy and what I did to get myself back into matches that I was not playing amazingly in and really just try to put myself in a similar position and use that experience. And hopefully do a little better this year.
It was amazing to see four American women make it to the U.S. Open semifinals last year. You work with young women in the “Fearlessly Girl” and “See It Through” campaigns. See It Through helps young people aspire towards and help reach their dreams. What is your advice to girls on helping those set goals in life?
I think the biggest thing is that you can start small, if you’re unsure of how to make a bigger goal. I think something super small and daily is a great way to start and then once you feel more comfortable in that, you feel like you can go bigger and bigger. I think you can do whatever you set your mind to.
Can you tell me about your experience with Fearlessly Girl?
Note: Fearlessly Girl is another organization Keys is actively involved in, helping to combat cyberbullying and help girls feel more empowered.
It’s something I’m really proud of, and something I’m very honored to be a part of. The biggest thing for me is seeing these girls who at the beginning feel alone, and there’s no one who understands what they’re going through. At the end of this two-three hour process, they’re all talking to each other, and they’re opening up. Some of them are creating new friendships, or they’re getting over something that happened to them in the past. A lot of these girls are becoming more empowered, and they feel like they can stand up and talk.
What are your own goals for this year?
I think my big goal just for the rest of the year, including the U.S. Open, is to have a really great attitude on the court, and obviously to try to make Wuhan, and try to do well there, but more important than that, to have really solid, consistent results in all of the tournaments for the rest of the season.
What was a pivotal moment for you early on in your career that made you take this seriously?
Making my first grand slam semifinal was a big moment for me. It really helped me feel like I could make a second week and go deep in slams and have the chance to be in a final and win a grand slam. So for me that was really the first time where it all felt like it really clicked.
You were recently a category on Jeopardy. What was that like?
That was really funny. I actually didn’t see it myself, but all of a sudden I started getting text messages and tweets. I wish I would have watched it, I would have finally gotten a Jeopardy question right.
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What is your favorite tournament?
I think my favorite tournament outside of the slams is probably Charleston, the Volvo Car Open. I love playing there. It’s such a fun tournament to play at. The tournament directors are so amazing, I love Bob and Eleanor so much. But more than that, it feels like a small tournament, it’s really homey, and you just love going there no matter what.
What is your favorite grand slam?
The U.S. Open just because it’s my home slam, and there’s really no feeling like going out on Arthur Ashe and having the crowd go crazy.
Madison Keys is seeded 14 at the U.S. Open and is into the third round of the women’s draw, having won her second round match against fellow American Bernarda Pera, 6-4, 6-1. She currently owns three WTA titles, one hard court and two on grass.
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