Enjoy it while it lasts- that’s the mantra Sam Satosur swears by. But, will it work for Madison Keys? After just one title in Strasbourg last season, she silenced doubts with her career’s first Grand Slam in Melbourne. Two weeks later, the spotlight still lingers on the champion. Despite the spotlight, Keys’ focus is somewhere else. Fresh off an impressive appearance on Good Morning America, Keys has already set her eyes on her next tournament in Dubai. However, amidst such a hectic schedule, veteran Sam Stosur has offered her key advice.
After Melbourne, Madison Keys had to participate in the ATX Open in Austin. However, WTA’s one strange rule created a roadblock for her. Since this WTA 250 tournament could allow only one top-10-ranked player and with Keys’ rank having progressed to seven after the AO, she couldn’t get an entry into the tournament. The American athlete then had to feature in the Qatar Open next. However, a hamstring injury forced her to withdraw. Now she aims to make an appearance at the 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships, which will take place in the middle of February.
As Keys juggles the demands of her professional life, Sam Stosur, a veteran, wants her to be a bit picky. In a recent episode of the Rennae Stubbs podcast, Stosur said, “Look, if I was her and could go back, I probably wouldn’t bother playing Doha which is the next one, if that is the next one after Abu Dhabi. Just take some time.”
Madison Keys USA mit dem Pokal, Trophäe, Siegerehrung, Presentation, Australian Open 2025, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. *** Madison Keys USA with the cup, trophy, award ceremony, presentation, Australian Open 2025, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Copyright: xJuergenxHasenkopfx
Continuing further, she added, “Everything has been a whirlwind anyway but actually, now you’re not gonna win matches now, just because you won the Australian Open, it doesn’t mean you’re just gonna now carry on because you’ve got that title so you still gotta be prepared, still practice, you still gotta do all the things that got you into winning the Australian Open. I think it really, there’s not just enough time. So now just really enjoy it for yourself.”
Stosur’s advice echoed the philosophy she followed throughout her career. Previously in an interview with Asics, she spoke about the importance of enjoying the sport while being disciplined, “Tennis is such a great social sport and I think finding people who you enjoy playing against or a coach who is very motivating can really push your game to a higher level.”
While Stosur advised Keys to rest for recharge, she was mesmerized by the American player’s performance against Aryna Sabalenka in the finals. The veteran admitted she hadn’t imagined the WTA No. 7 would be in the final. But Keys ended up exceeding her expectations.
Sam Stosur was “super impressed” by Madison Keys in the 2025 Australian Open
“I was so happy for her,” Stosur said while talking about Keys’ Australian Open campaign. Keys’ semifinal clash against Iga Swiatek struck a chord with Stosur. “I was super impressed with the way she fought through that match. Like she absolutely deserved that semifinal. And after seeing her play like that going into the final, it was like, okay, I think this is sort of meant to be for her,” the former Aussie pro added.
Stosur could relate to Keys as she had also faced a defeat in her first appearance in the Grand Slam final in 2010. She lost the Roland Garros final that year, but only to return even more powerfully for her career’s first Grand Slam in the 2011 US Open.
Stosur felt the way Keys fiercely dominated a strong opponent like Aryna Sabalenka in the final was “incredible to watch.”
For Madison Keys, winning the Australian Open title this year meant “absolute world.” She changed the minds of those who felt she wasn’t skilled enough to win a Grand Slam final. After that epic win, Keys probably deserved a much-needed break as well. However, she will be keen to be back soon and carry the positive momentum throughout the season. Do you think Madison Keys can win another Grand Slam title this season?
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