NEW YORK — Seven and a half years after her first Grand Slam final, Madison Keys has finally etched her name into tennis history. The 28-year-old American captured her maiden major title at the 2024 US Open, defeating world No. 1 Iga Świątek in a thrilling three-set final. "It was never if, just when," Keys said afterward, reflecting on her long-awaited breakthrough.
For Keys, the journey to this moment has been one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless belief. Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager with her explosive power game, the Illinois native has endured injuries, coaching changes, and the weight of expectations. "There were times I wondered if this day would come," she admitted in her victory speech. "But I never stopped working, never stopped dreaming."
The Early Promise
Keys first announced herself as a future star in 2015, reaching the Australian Open semifinals at just 19 years old. Coached by Lindsay Davenport at the time, her raw power and aggressive baseline game drew comparisons to Serena Williams. By 2017, she had advanced to her first major final at the US Open, falling to Sloane Stephens in an all-American showdown.
However, injuries soon derailed her momentum:
- Wrist surgery in 2016 forced a six-month hiatus
- Chronic knee issues required careful load management
- A 2019 thigh tear saw her ranking drop outside the top 50
The Turning Point
The 2022 season marked a resurgence under new coach David Nainkin. Keys adopted a more strategic approach, blending her trademark power with improved movement and tactical variety. "We worked on making her game more complete," Nainkin told BBC Sport. "The serve became a weapon, not just a starter."
Her 2023 Wimbledon semifinal run – where she pushed eventual champion Markéta Vondroušová to three sets – signaled she was ready to contend again. "That match gave me belief," Keys revealed. "I knew my game could trouble anyone."
The Championship Run
At Flushing Meadows this year, Keys put together a career-defining fortnight:
- Dropped just one set en route to the final
- Defeated defending champion Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals
- Overcame Aryna Sabalenka's power in the semis
The final against Świątek showcased Keys' evolution. After losing the first set 6-4, she adjusted brilliantly:
- Increased first serve percentage from 58% to 72%
- Won 84% of net approaches in sets 2 and 3
- Converted 4/5 break points in the deciding set
The Moment of Triumph
When Świątek's final forehand sailed long, Keys collapsed to the court in tears. "I've imagined this moment so many times," she told the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd. "To share it with my team, my family, and these amazing fans... there's nothing like it."
What It Means
At 28, Keys becomes the oldest first-time women's Slam champion since Flavia Pennetta at the 2015 US Open. Her victory:
- Ends a 20-year drought for American women at the US Open
- Moves her back into the world's top 5
- Completes a set of major semifinals (all four Slams)
Former champion Chris Evert praised Keys' perseverance: "Madison could have walked away so many times. The injuries, the tough losses... but she kept coming back stronger. That's the mark of a true champion."
Looking Ahead
With the monkey finally off her back, Keys appears poised for more success. She'll lead the U.S. Fed Cup team this fall and has already set her sights on Melbourne. "This isn't the finish line," she insisted. "It's proof that the work pays off – and we're just getting started."
As the newest member of tennis' most exclusive club, Keys' journey serves as inspiration. "Never stop believing in your moment," she told young players during the trophy ceremony. "Mine took seven years, but it was worth every second."