By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, March 10, 2025
Photograph credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty
Excessive spirits helped Madison Keys win the Pleased Slam, says Coco Gauff.
Earlier than Keys dethroned defending champion Aryna Sabalenka to assert her maiden main on the Australian Open, the WTA Finals champion Gauff observed her compatriot was in a optimistic place.
Within the offseason, Keys wed long-time accomplice and coach Bjorn Fratangelo in a Charleston marriage ceremony she referred to as “the happiest day of my life.”
Gauff believes private bliss helped Keys calm down and attain main promised land eight years and 25 Grand Slam appearances after she misplaced her maiden main ultimate to good buddy Sloane Stephens.
“She undoubtedly has one of many highest ranges on tour. It is good to see, like, she get a slam and she or he deserved it,” Gauff stated of Keys. “She simply seems to be loads happier recently. I believe that was sort of the most important change greater than something technically in her sport.
“I believe she simply provides extra optimistic—not that she’s ever damaging, however I really feel like I can really feel power off of individuals, and after I’m round her, she appears a bit happier.
“Even earlier than profitable Australia, to me she felt like she was happier across the locker room and issues like that. I normally really feel when gamers are in that mindset they have a tendency to do higher. So it is good to see her, like, win and likewise be sort of pleased whereas doing it.”
The fifth-seeded Keys rides a 14-match profitable streak into her Indian Wells spherical of 16 conflict vs. both Emma Navarro or Belinda Bencic.
If Keys prevails and Gauff beats Belinda Bencic, then the American energy gamers would sq. off within the BNP Paribas Open quarterfinals.
