Editor’s note: Beginning Monday, Oct. 20, we will be rolling out “Road to the WTA Finals,” an eight-part series that highlights the qualifiers and their forms leading to Riyadh. Stay tuned for updates throughout the week.
More on the WTA Finals
Madison Keys’ Journey in Tennis
As the 2025 season commenced, Madison Keys had established a commendable career in professional tennis. For the past ten years, she consistently ranked within the top 10 of the PIF WTA Rankings, securing eight titles and amassing substantial prize money and endorsements.
The Grand Slam Challenge
However, Keys struggled to achieve success in Grand Slam tournaments, which increasingly affected her self-esteem and overshadowed her accomplishments. With the encouragement of her husband and coach Bjorn Fratangelo, along with therapy, she entered the new year with a refreshed mindset. Free from the pressure to win a major title, she achieved a personal milestone in Australia.
A Breakthrough in Australia
Her journey began in Adelaide, where she clinched the 500 title. Just days shy of her 30th birthday, she advanced through the Australian Open draw, defeating Elena Rybakina in the fourth round, Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals, and Iga Swiatek in the semifinals. In a thrilling final, she triumphed against two-time defending champion and World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, saving a match point during her semifinals match against Swiatek and winning the final set against Sabalenka 7-5.
2025 Season Performance
Keys also reached the semifinals of the Miami Open and performed well on clay, making it to the quarterfinals in both Madrid and Roland Garros. She secured another quarterfinal spot in Montreal and reached the fourth round in Cincinnati before her first-round loss to Renata Zarazua at the US Open on August 25. Since then, she hasn’t played, making her return to the court in Riyadh after more than two months.
2025 Stats Overview
2025 Record: 37-13
2025 Titles (2): Adelaide (500), Australian Open (Grand Slam)
Previous WTA Finals Appearance: 2016 (group stage)
Best WTA Finals Result: In her only appearance in Singapore nearly ten years ago, Keys went 1-2, defeating Dominika Cibulkova while losing to Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep.
Significance of Her Title
Defining Moment of 2025: Winning the Australian Open for her first Grand Slam singles title.
Notable Stat: Before her career-defining win in Melbourne, Keys had participated in 45 major singles draws, reaching four quarterfinals, five semifinals, and one final (2017 US Open) where she lost to Sloane Stephens.
Defining Quote of 2025: “I still really wanted to win a Grand Slam. I just wasn’t lying in bed at night thinking I’m a failure if I don’t win one anymore…” — Keys after winning the Australian Open
Looking Ahead to Riyadh
Greg Garber: It’s been nine years since Keys competed in her first and only year-end championship. She’s undergone significant personal and professional growth since then. Riyadh is a celebration of her resilience, granting her a well-deserved platform to showcase her achievements.
Brad Kallet: I am particularly excited to see Keys in Riyadh, especially after her extended absence from competition. It’s remarkable that she’s returning to the WTA Finals nearly a decade later, now as a celebrated veteran and Grand Slam champion. A victory in this tournament, paired with her Australian Open title, would be a fantastic conclusion to her 2025 season.
