Madison Keys stood up the pressure as she outhit two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka for the 2025 Australian Open silverware. The crowd roared as the American star finessed Sabalenka into submission at last and among her avid supporters, was her newlywed husband and coach. In the event’s aftermath, a German ex-pro highlighted that her married life brought charm into her professional dealing on the WTA Tour.
The American star, years after being unable to live up to her full potential, claimed her maiden Slam win in Melbourne. Keys outperformed the Belarusian sensation in a grueling three-set showcase at the Rod Laver Arena, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, on Saturday, January 25. While the occasion stirred a healthy reaction from the crowd, some more got directed towards her significant other, Bjorn Fratangelo, with whom she tied the knot two months before jetting for the season-opening Major.
For the uninitiated, Keys and her husband Fratangelo aren’t just your regular star couple. Fratangelo shares a history with the sport. An ex-tennis pro, the American player turned coach is a boys’ singles champion of the 2011 French Open. Reports from ‘People’ show us that the couple crossed paths while in training and later, started dating in 2017. When their romance hit the marker, the lovebirds got engaged in 2023 and tied the knot a year later in a private ceremony, with several tennis stars in attendance.
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Now acting as her wife’s full-time coach, Fratangelo’s aura was hardly skipped out by fans in Melbourne, least of all German Boris Becker. Moments after acknowledging American Keys’ career-first Slam finish in Melbourne, the six-time Major champion took to his official X handle to narrate that her fortunes came to discovery after getting married to Fratangelo on November 23, 2024, meaning that her wedding sent positive energies to her touring results. “Married life is good for you!!!,” said Becker.
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Following her triumph, Keys was all smiles for her Melbourne fans, but, that didn’t mean she didn’t reserve some of that charm for her Belarusian rival Sabalenka.
Madison Keys lauds Aryna Sabalenka’s resilience at the 2025 Australian Open
American star Madison Keys’s grit and power were nothing short of commendable at the Australian Open. 10 years after ending her title run in the semifinal and again in 2022, the 29-year-old player captured her long-drawn quest for a Slam finish. During the customary award presentation ceremony, Keys didn’t hold back when it was time to address her rival Aryna Sabalenka’s performance against her in the summit clash.
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She said, “First thing, Aryna, unbelievable playing. I’m glad I finally got you back. But unbelievable tennis, you’re always so tough to play. We always have the craziest matches so congratulations to you and your team for another amazing Grand Slam run.” For those unaware, Keys became the fifth American woman and the first since Serena Williams in 2005 to clinch glory in Melbourne.
En route to the title decider, the American sensation also downed World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals. Keys will next take to the court after celebrating her AO win and will hope to record similar results on other remaining Grand Slam stages this year.