Madison Keys will begin the 2026 season in Australia as a defending Grand Slam champion for the first time in her career, but she insists she does not feel weighed down by the occasion as she prepares to begin her 2026 campaign at the Brisbane International.
Keys stunned the tennis world last year by winning her maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in the final.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 Brisbane International, Keys said her Melbourne triumph last year did not dramatically alter her life, contrasting her journey with that of Emma Raducanu, who won the 2021 US Open as a qualifier.
“I don’t think my life changed too much. I have spent many, many years on tour now and have had different levels of success. Obviously a huge accomplishment, but I wasn’t like Emma or someone like that who kind of went from being in quallies to winning a slam,” Keys stated.
Keys turned professional in 2009 and had already claimed nine WTA titles before lifting her first Major trophy. The American had also previously reached the final of the 2017 US Open, where she lost to compatriot Sloane Stephens.
Raducanu, in contrast, captured her first tour-level title during her historic New York run, defeating the likes of Shelby Rogers, Belinda Bencic, Maria Sakkari, and Leylah Fernandez en route to that maiden Grand Slam title.
Keys, meanwhile, also enjoyed a strong build-up to last year’s Australian Open, winning the Adelaide title with a three-set victory over compatriot Jessica Pegula.
Reflecting on her return to Australia this season, Keys said she is focused on appreciating the moment rather than dwelling on expectations.
“I’m really excited. Not many people get to go into this swing being a defending champion. So I’m trying really just to appreciate that and enjoy the position that I have put myself in,” Keys stated.
Keys Embraces High Expectations Ahead Of 2026 Australian Swing
Madison Keys remains optimistic as she begins the 2026 season in Australia, where she arrives as the defending champion in two tournaments, including the Australian Open which she won last year to secure her maiden Grand Slam crown.
The American said her focus is on starting the year strongly and not on the expectations that have come with her success last year.
“I think I’m really just trying to go out and start the year off as best as I can and play some really good tennis. Excited to see how all of the chips fall,” Keys said.
The World No. 7 is scheduled to begin her Brisbane International campaign on Tuesday, January 6, where she will be seeded fifth. Her opening-round opponent has yet to be confirmed.
Also read:
Why Madison Keys Could Destroy Her 2026 Season With One Wrong Move at Australian Swing
Nick Kyrgios Faces Backlash As Ex-ATP Pro Fires Back in Australian Open Wildcard Controversy
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